Effects of an exercise program based on motor re-learning on the risk of falling in institutionalized older persons

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction. There are numerous authors who highlight the benefits of physical activity for motor relearning for the prevention of falls in older people in the community. Despite this, no reports have been found of its implementation in institutionalized older people. Objective. To assess the effect of a motor relearning physical activity program on the risk of falling in institutionalized older people. Methodology. Experimental study type randomized clinical trial in parallel groups and single blind. The normality of the data was determined using the Shapiro – Wilk test, the reliability of the Pearson r instruments, anthropometric and physiological comparisons between genders through the t-test for independent samples, description of chronic pathologies, polypharmacy, and perception of post-exercise effort by frequency tables, intergroup comparison of fall risk variations and covariates using ANCOVA. In all cases a p <0.05 was adopted and the calculations were carried out in SPSS 27. Results. The sample consisted of 100 subjects, 60% men and 40% women, average age 75 years (SD: 67 - 81). This exercise modality significantly decreased the risk of falling, mediated by a reduction in fear of falling and an increase in muscle strength in the lower limb and greater dynamic stability of its participants. Conclusion. It is concluded that motor re-learning physical activity significantly decreased the risk of falling in institutionalized older people through significant changes in the fear of falling, muscular strength, and dynamic stability of its participants.

Keywords

Older person, Physical activity, Motor learning, Institutionalization