Perturbation Training Compared to Balance and Strengthening Exercise, for Elderly at Risk of Falling

The Effectiveness of Perturbation Training With Balance Tutor, Compared to Balance and Strengthening Exercise, on Falls Rate Among Elderly at Risk of Falling

One third of adults over 65 and 50% of adults above 80 years old fall at list once a year. In some cases, falls result in fractures, hospitalization, functional limitations, depression, morbidity and mortality. Strong evidence support exercise training programs for fall prevention, while several studies examined the effect of perturbation training on risk of fall. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a perturbation training program with unexpected perturbation using balance tutor on falls and injuries among elderly at risk of falling, compared to balance and strengthening exercise.

Inclusion Criteria:at least one fall during the last 12 months; age 65-85; mini-mental state examination score 24 and above allowing cognitive ability to understand simple instructions ; Time Up and Go (TUG), assessing balance, walking ability and fall risk, scored 13 and above ; ability to read Hebrew or Arabic; and the ability to walk independently 10 meters.

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Exclusion Criteria:progressive neurological conditions (Parkinson, Multiple sclerosis, CVA); severe orthopedic conditions including lower limb or spine fractures and surgeries in the past 12 months prior to baseline; blindness; Arrhythmia; uncontrolled chronic disease (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease); diagnosed severe osteoporosis with a history of fracture during the past 3 years prior to baseline; active cancer during the past three years prior to baseline; lack of availability in the coming two months for completing the treatment protocol

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