A Home-based Exercise Program for the Foot and Ankle to Improve Balance, Muscle Performance and Flexibility in Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background and purpose: Strength and range of motion of the foot and ankle have been shown to be related to measures of balance and fall risk in older adults. The primary purpose of this pilot investigation was to evaluate the feasibility of a 6-week home-based exercise program focusing on the foot and ankle and any associated changes in balance, muscle performance and range of motion in older adults. Methods: This single-group repeated measures study involved a convenience sample of 21 healthy communitydwelling older adults age 60-90. Nineteen participants completed all phases of the testing and training. The intervention was a 6-week home-based exercise program focusing on ankle musculature performed 3 times per week. Outcome measures were assessed on three separate occasions: baseline, pre-intervention, and post-intervention. Outcome measures included the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), gait speed, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), gastrocnemius muscle strength and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Results: Following the intervention, there were significant improvements in the Mini-BESTest, gait speed, TUG, gastrocnemius strength and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. There was also significant positive relationship between improvements in the Mini-BESTest and gastrocnemius strength. There were no unanticipated adverse events and compliance was high. Conclusions: A simple but progressive home-based exercise program for the foot and ankle appears to be feasible for older individuals and may lead to meaningful improvements in measures of balance and mobility. Further research of this targeted intervention may be warranted.

The Effect of 40 Days Static Stretching After Prayers on Flexibility Among Elderly Muslim Men

“…The most interesting findings in this pilot study is that static stretching when altered into a 10 steps for 10 minutes for 5 times after prayers per day was sufficient to increase inches in flexibility in sedentary older men. Additionally, this result supports other researchers who have experienced with stationary stretching (Rani & Mohanty, 2015;Gallon et al, 2011) and other methods of training (Long, Jackson, & Laubach, 2013;Shubert, McCulloch, Hartman, & Giuliani, 2010;Barrett & Smerdely, 2002). The improvement found in the present study can be attributed to the 10 minutes of static stretching as supported by the previous studies (Gallon et al, 2011;Ferber, Ostering, & Gravelle, 2002).…”

Using a Standing Heel-Rise Test as a Predictor of Ankle Muscle Strength in the Elderly

“…Spink et al (2010) revealed that ankle plantar flexion strength was associated with balance and functional capacity in older women [27]. Furthermore, interventions that target ankle muscle strength and balance have been shown to improve mobility and functional outcomes in older adults [40][41][42]. Therefore, maintaining ankle muscle strength and balance is crucial for older adults to remain mobile and independent and prevent falls.…”

impact of postural defect on respiratory impairment in collegiate students

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