Does the addition of a standing balance class to usual therapy improve balance, mobility and physical functioning among rehabilitation inpatients?

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The purpose of the study is to investigate whether the addition of six standing balance circuit classes to usual therapy over a 2 week period improves balance, mobility and physical functioning among rehabilitation inpatients. Participants will be allocated at random into one of two groups (Usual Care and Additional Training). People in the Usual Care group will receive standard care as offered by the Bankstown Lidcombe Hospital Physiotherapy service. People in the Additional Training group will receive usual care as well as participate in a 1 hour standing balance circuit class, involving exercises aimed at improving balance, three times a week for two weeks. All participants will be assessed at enrollment into the study, 2 weeks later, and again at 3 months. Assessments will include a questionnaire about mobility and activities of daily living, as well as physical tests including a 4 metre walking test, chair stand test, and balance tests.