The Effects of Vestibular Exercises on the Balance Performance of the Inactive Elderly

Aging is associated with some gradual physiological changes in body systems, including a decrease in muscle strength and range of motion, an increase in reaction time, as well as alterations in balance and sensory systems. Physical activity can be used to prevent, delay, or treat age-related problems. The study aims at specifying the effects of vestibular exercises on the balance performance of inactive elderly.

This study was a quasi-experiment conducted in Karaj in 2019, with pre-test, post-test, and control groups in which 40 inactive male volunteers older than 60 years were randomly assigned into an experimental group (20) and a control group (20). The experimental group participated in vestibular exercises for twelve sessions (three 45-minute sessions per week). The dynamic balance test was used to measure equilibrium performance. The one-way ANCOVA (analysis of covariance) was used to analyze the data.

The results of covariance analysis indicated a significant difference in the mean of balance performance between experimental group and control group after the intervention (p<0.05). The score of balance performance in the experimental and control groups was 19.45±0.23 and 20.55±0.15, respectively, indicating enhanced balance performance in the experimental group.

Considering the effects of vestibular exercises on the enhancement of balance performance of the elderly, it is suggested that planning these exercises be mandatory for the elderly community. Poor balance and fall risk in the elderly can be prevented through appropriate vestibular exercises.