Effects of Supervised (BRACE) Balance, Resistance, Aerobic &Cognitive Exercises
Condition: Elderly Population
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      In the elderly risk of fall increases due to balance dysfunction, cognitive impairment and
      low vision. In this research, the aim is to find the effects of Supervised BRACE (Balance,
      Resistance, Aerobic, Cognitive Exercises) protocol on mobility to reduce the risk of fall in
      the elderly. Randomized controlled trial 10-12 weeks follow-up. The sample size is 40. The
      subjects are divided into two groups, 20 subjects in the control group and 20 in the
      experimental group. The study duration is of 6 months. The sampling technique will be
      purposive sampling and consecutive random assignment through the sealed envelope method.
      Individuals of age 60-80, either gender with Berg balance score (BBS) 20-40 will be included.
      Individuals with musculoskeletal conditions (fractures, severe arthritis), neurological
      conditions like Epilepsy, Parkinson, Alzheimer's, Impaired cognition and other systemic
      diseases or co-morbidities will be excluded. Assessments tools that will be used in the study
      are Mini-Mental State Exam, Berg balance Scale, timed up and go test (TUG), elderly mobility
      scale, Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale, Activities of Balance Confidence.
    

Detailed description: 
      In terms of morbidity and mortality fall is a major concern in older adults. Fall is defined
      as unintentional contact with the ground. Tinetti in 1988 defined fall as "an event in which
      a person rest unintentionally on the ground or lower surface". There are many reasons for
      fall which can be intrinsic or extrinsic. The risk factors of fall can be ageing (e.g.
      cognitive impairment, poor balance or low vision), nutrition (vitamin D and calcium
      deficiency), medication (sedatives, antidepressants etc), environmental factors (improper
      shoes, poor lighting and unsafe stairs) and lack of exercise.

      Previous studies considered age 60 and above in the geriatric population. The number of falls
      increases day by day due to balance dysfunction which is the key impairment. Age 60 and above
      along with any impairment or disease which makes a person weak can be included in the group
      of geriatric population. The fact supported by previous researches that the person who
      involved in rehabilitation therapies can decrease fall rate and fall associated problems.
      Through these rehabilitation exercises Activity of Daily Living (ADLs) can be improved and
      disabilities could be prevented. Wii Fit gaming system can be used to uplift lifestyle and
      improve balance in the geriatric population.
    

Intervention name(s): Supervised (BRACE) Group; Conventional Balance Exercises Group
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): Supervised (BRACE) protocol include static, dynamic and anticipatory balance exercises, chair rise, stair climbing and floor transfer comes under the category of resistance exercises. 6 minutes walk test, marching in space and cycling comes in aerobic. count reverse for 50 remember 5 words, 5 animals, repeat 5 words, spell forward and backwards and cont even numbers comes in cognitive exercises.; The home plan included Balance and Resistance exercises of BRACE protocol were provided to the control group but that was not supervised. Control group participants were also same assessed as the S-BRACE group. Before giving the training plan for home, it was elaborated in detail. For the convenience of participants, the BRACE protocol was also translated into Urdu and was given in the printed form. The data were collected at baseline, after 3 weeks, 6, 9 and then after 12 weeks of training
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment