BMC Geriatrics (Dec 2022)

Quasi-experimental pilot study to improve mobility and balance in recurrently falling nursing home residents by voluntary non-targeted side-stepping exercise intervention

  • Frédéric Dierick,
  • Anne-France Bouché,
  • Serge Guérin,
  • Jean-Paul Steinmetz,
  • Carine Federspiel,
  • Vincent Barvaux,
  • Fabien Buisseret

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03696-y
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 22, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

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Abstract Background Side-stepping is a potential exercise program to reduce fall risk in community-dwelling adults in their seventies, but it has never been tested in nursing home residents. This was a pilot quasi-experimental study to examine the feasibility and potential mobility and balance benefits of an intervention based on voluntary non-targeted side-stepping exercises in nursing home residents who fall recurrently. Methods Twenty-two participants were recruited and non-randomly assigned to an intervention group ( $$n=$$ n = 11, side-stepping exercises, STEP) participating in an 8-week protocol and to a control group ( $$n =$$ n = 11, usual physiotherapy care, CTRL). They were clinically assessed at 4-time points: baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks, and after a 4-week follow-up period (usual physiotherapy care). Statistical differences between time points were assessed with a Friedman repeated measures ANOVA on ranks or a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results Compared to baseline, significant benefits were observed in the STEP group at 8 weeks for the Timed Up and Go ( $$p =$$ p = 0.020) and 6-minute walking test ( $$p =$$ p = 0.001) as well as for the Berg Balance Scale ( $$p =$$ p = 0.041) and Mini motor test ( $$p =$$ p = 0.026). At follow-up, the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment and Berg Balance Scale significantly worsened in the STEP group ( $$p =$$ p = 0.009 and $$p<$$ p < 0.001, respectively). No significant differences were found between the groups at the same time points. Conclusions Our intervention was feasible and improved mobility and balance after almost 8 weeks. Studies with larger samples and randomized control trials are needed to consolidate our preliminary observations and confirm the deterioration of some tests when side-stepping exercises are discontinued. Trial registration Identifier: ISRCTN13584053. Retrospectively registered 01/09/2022.

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