None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study will determine whether a specific balance strategy training program is an effective form of exercise for healthy, but less active women aged between 40 to 60 years that can control the rate of decline in balance and sensori-motor function across the menopause transition. Whether participation leads to adoption of more active lifestyle will also be observed. A similar though not quite as challenging evidence based program that targeted the multiple elements of balance has been shown to be effective in older adults. This study will determine if undertaken during the pre-clinical period of balance decline it helps to prevent/reverse the detrimental balance decline that occurs in women during the menopause transition. Should the participants sustain the level of activity post- intervention a safer, healthier lifestyle is likely to ensue evidenced by enhanced self-perceived health status, reduction in fall rate and increased cardiovascular fitness. The study will also look at factors associated with compliance and motivation with uptake of exercise to develop more effective strategies for implementation of programs that are attractive and beneficial for this age group.
Interventions
Specific Balance Strategy Exercise Program. Subjects in the intervention group will attend a one hour twice-weekly specific balance-strategy training program for 12 weeks. The program will be delivered using work-stations that target the multiple elements of balance that are integral to efficient balance and mobility. Content of this program will include functional strength training and flexibility exercises that load trunk and lower limb muscles in all planes of movement, exercises for postu
Specific Balance Strategy Exercise Program. Subjects in the intervention group will attend a one hour twice-weekly specific balance-strategy training program for 12 weeks. The program will be delivered using work-stations that target the multiple elements of balance that are integral to efficient balance and mobility. Content of this program will include functional strength training and flexibility exercises that load trunk and lower limb muscles in all planes of movement, exercises for postural control and tasks that challenge medio-lateral stability and work participants at the limits of their stability; tasks that foster the use of ankle, hip, stepping and suspension strategies along with speed and efficient reaction times will be used. The program and tasks will be progressed by adding surface and visual challenges and by adding dual / multiple tasks.
Sponsors
Division of Physiotherapy School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences The University of Queensland
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Primary purpose
Prevention
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
40 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
- live independently in the community - aged between 40 and 60 years of age - have no history of unexplained falls/recent injury such as sprained ankle within last 12 months - ambulate without an aid - able to give informed consent - able to undertake comprehensive assessment - willing to commit to at least a 12 week program and 24 months follow-up period -classify their habitual physical activity as home based chores or self paced activity once or twice a week
Exclusion criteria
- have fallen at some time within the previous year - have an unstable cardiac condition - live in a region too far from the three sites where the program is to be delivered and thus could not guarantee regular attendance - have uncorrected vision - have diagnosed pathology that could account for changes in postural stability including neurological disorders,dizziness or vestibular pathology,insulin-dependent diabetes,peripheral neuropathy,peripheral vascular disease that requires active management or surgical intervention;major musculoskeletal dysfunction that requires active management or surgical intervention, and require medication for psychiatric disorders, depression or anxiety as an association of such medication with falls has been demonstrated
Outcome results
None listed