Physical Fitness and Balance in Older Adults
Conditions
Keywords
Geriatrics, Physical fitness, Dynamic balance, Static balance, Older adults
Brief summary
This study looked at the relationship between physical fitness and balance in older adults aged 65 years and over. Balance problems are common in older people and can increase the risk of falls and injuries. In this study, participants performed simple physical fitness tests, such as walking, standing up from a chair, arm strength, and flexibility tests. Balance was evaluated using standing on one leg and simple movement-based balance tests. The study aimed to understand whether better physical fitness is related to better balance. The results showed that some aspects of physical fitness were related to dynamic balance (balance during movement), but not to static balance (standing still). The findings of this study may help health professionals better understand balance problems in older adults and support future research on fall prevention and healthy aging.
Detailed description
This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a geriatric outpatient clinic to examine the relationships between physical fitness and balance in adults aged 65 years and older. Physical fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test components (functional capacity, strength, flexibility, and agility). Static balance was assessed with a one-leg stand test, and dynamic balance was assessed with the functional reach test and the timed up and go test. The primary purpose of the study was to explore whether performance on physical fitness measures is associated with static and/or dynamic balance performance in older adults. This record represents a retrospectively registered observational study with completed participant assessments.
Interventions
OTHERNo Interventions
No intervention was applied in this study. This was an observational study in which participants only underwent physical fitness and balance assessments without any therapeutic, behavioral, or exercise intervention.
Sponsors
Hasan Kalyoncu University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
65 Years to 84 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Participants aged 65 years and older. * Community-dwelling older adults. * Able to walk independently with or without an assistive device. * Able to understand and follow verbal instructions. * Provided written informed consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of balance disorders related to vestibular, neurological, or orthopedic diseases. * Severe visual or hearing impairment that could affect balance assessment. * Diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. * Presence of psychiatric disorders that could interfere with participation. * Language or communication barriers preventing completion of the assessments.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic balance performance | Baseline and Week 3 | Dynamic balance was assessed using the Functional Reach Test and the Timed Up and Go Test, which evaluate balance during movement and functional mobility in older adults. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed