Effects of different type exercise trainings on functionality in older fallers

In this study, the effectiveness of different types of exercise trainings on functionality were examined in older faller. Thirty individuals were included in the study and these people were blinded. The socio-demographic information, Mini Mental State Examination, Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Life, World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument- Older Adults Module of the individuals were recorded. Muscle strength of hip flexors and abductors, m.quadriceps femoris and m.tibialis anterior were measured by manual muscle dynamometer. In balance evaluations; sensory organization test, adaptation test of computerized dynamic posturography were recorded. Individuals were divided into 3 groups by block randomization. All individuals applied vestibular exercise training twice a day for 8 weeks as a home program. In the first group vestibular evercise training as a home program, in the second group rehabilitation programme which was performed in computerized balance system, in the third group square-step exercise training was performed. Exercise programs were applied as three times a week for 8 weeks. After treatment, significant differences were found in all three groups in terms of muscle strength, balance assessment results, fear of falling, walking functions, cognitive functions, daily living activities, quality of life evaluation results within the group (p<0.05). A signicant increase was observed, all the evaluation results in square-step exercise group (p<0.05). According to these results, we concluded using square-step exercise in training programs is beneficial in geriatric rehabilitation for preventing fall risk.