Dynamic and Static Balance and the Speed of Reaction in the Elderly
Condition: Spondyloarthritis
MeSH terms: Spondylitis; Spondylarthritis
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The balance of the body in the elderly is disturbed for various reasons and relatively often.

      The aim of our research was to analyze the effect of five simple physiotherapeutic procedures
      on the reaction speed as well as static and dynamic balance in the elderly.

      60 people (women and men diagnosed with degenerative changes of the spine, chronic period of
      the disease) aged 65-95 years were analyzed. Patients were randomly assigned to the study
      group (30 people - participating in the three-week physiotherapy program) and the control
      group (30 people - not participating in the program). The test consisted in checking the
      state of static (postural stability) and dynamic (risk of falls) balance on the Biodex SD
      dynamic platform and the assessment of speed in the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test. The results
      of our research showed that five simple physiotherapy treatments can significantly improve
      the reaction speed and the dynamic and static balance in the sagittal plane in the elderly.
    

Detailed description: 
      The balance of the human body is the result of a properly developed musculoskeletal system,
      an efficiently functioning nervous system and labyrinth, organs of deep feeling, and the
      organ of vision. The speed of reaction is an important factor in maintaining the body's
      balance and reduces the risk of falls, not only in the elderly.

      The aim of the study is to analyze the influence of uncomplicated physiotherapeutic
      procedures on the reaction speed as well as static and dynamic balance in the elderly.

      60 people (degenerative changes of the spine) in the chronic period of the disease were
      analyzed. Age of respondents: 65-95 years, women and men. Patients were randomly assigned to
      the study group (30 people - participating in the three-week physiotherapy program) and the
      control group (30 people - not participating in the program). The test consisted in checking
      the state of static (postural stability) and dynamic (risk of falls) balance on the Biodex SD
      dynamic platform. Additionally, each patient participated in the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test.
      In the study group, most of the studied variables, analyzed before and after rehabilitation,
      differed significantly (frontal plane inclinations p = 0.024; QuadsL p = 0.002; TUG p =
      0.022). Significant differences were also noted between the groups after the end of the
      therapy (QuadsL 1 p = 0.015; PostL p = 0.011). Moreover, the correlation between TUG and
      anterior and lateral (p = 0.032) was confirmed. Conclusions: The use of simple
      physiotherapeutic procedures significantly improves the reaction speed as well as dynamic and
      static balance in the sagittal plane in the elderly. Improvement in sagittal static stability
      and deterioration in the coronal plane contribute to a reduction in TUG time.
    

Intervention name(s): Physiotherapeutic procedures
Intervention type(s): Procedure
Intervention description(s): As part of the rehabilitation program, the patients performed two exercises in the Universal Therapeutic Rehabilitation Room (UTRR) system. The patient's task was to perform simultaneous abduction and adduction of the upper and lower limbs. The duration of the procedure was 10 minutes, the patient performed the exercises at a comfortable pace. In the second exercise - the patient's task was to alternately bend and straighten the opposite lower and upper limbs. The duration of the exercise was 10 minutes. The combined duration of both procedures used was 20 minutes. In addition, each patient underwent three physical therapy treatments. The procedures were carried out 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) for three weeks.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple (Participant, Care Provider, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: elderly,; physiotherapy,; static balance,; dynamic balance,; reaction speed,; risk of falls