The influence of proprioceptive training on the functional balance of older adults

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Proprioception is generally defined as the sense of position and movement of the limbs.The sense arises through activity in sensory neurons located in skin, muscles and jointtissues. Joint proprioception provides the neurological feedback needed for the controlof muscle actions, and serves as protection against excessive strain on passive joints.The rationale for this study was that if proprioception improves, functional balance willimprove. Improvements in functional balance will contribute to improvements infunctional skills. An improvement in functional skills can decrease dependence onothers, which in turn w\could increase quality of life.The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a proprioceptive trainingprogramme, using only low technology apparatus, on the proprioception and functionalbalance of older adults. Twenty-five older adults (M = 73.1 years) were assigned toeither a control (n = 10) or intervention group (n = 15). The Berg Balance Scale wasused for assessment of the functional balance of the participants, while the Harrison'sRecovery Test was used to assess proprioception. The intervention group was placedon an eight-week proprioceptive training programme consisting of three, twenty-minutesessions a week. Using paired and unpaired t-tests for the statistical analysis, significantimprovements were observed in the intervention group for both proprioception andfunctional balance (p<0.05). It was concluded that the proprioception and functionalbalance of older adults could be significantly improved with a proprioceptive programmeusing only low technology apparatus.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University