Abstract
The physical ability to maintain balance when moving and the ability to move independently are central requisites for independent living and are thus two important focuses in geriatric rehabilitation. It has been suggested that a decrease in the ability to generate force in the lower extremity muscles contribute to balance impairment and falling. The purpose of this study was to detect balance performance response to improved strength of dorsiflexors muscles in elderly. Fifty healthy elderly subjects, their age ranged 65- 75 years, participated in this study. Twenty five subjects (training group) were trained with resisted exercises plus electrical nerve stimulation of ankle dorsiflexors muscles, three times a week for 8 weeks. The control group, included twenty five subjects, received no treatment intervention except encouragement for performing their usual activity of daily living over the 8 weeks of the study. The ankle dorsiflexors muscles force was measured by the hand held dynamometer in Kg and the balance control was measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and the Timed Get Up-Go Test (GUG). These measurements wevr5re applied for both groups before and after 8 weeks. The BBS, FRT and GUG values showed significant changes (12.9%, 35.7% and 51.9% respectively) following training in the trained group. There were no significant changes (0.67%, 6.95% and 14.4%) in the same measures of the control group after 8 weeks. Improved ankle dorsiflexors strength enhances balance performance in elderly