Effects of a fall prevention program for elderly persons attending day-care

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of fall prevention training for day-care users with muscle strength deficits, walking disabilities, and cognitive impairments. [Subjects] Fifty-five day-care rehabilitation users performed two fall prevention exercises. [Methods] The subjects performed step-up/down training using a 20cm high step-stool placed between parallel bars, while playing word-chain games with an assistant, and a slow-paced stand-up/down exercise of 5 seconds duration, 10 times. Subjects’ body weight, 5-meter maximum walking speed, hip flexor/extensor strengths, knee flexor/extensor strengths, plantarflexor/dorsiflexor strengths and cognitive functions were measured before and after the intervention. [Results] Significant improvements in walking speed, hip flexor, knee extensor and plantarflexor strengths, dorsiflexor strength, knee flexor strength, and cognition were found after the intervention. [Conclusion] The fall prevention training improved lower limb muscle strength, walking speed, and cognitive aspects of users of our facilities.