Comparison of (Balance, Resistance, Aerobic and Cognitive Exercises) & (Balance Resistance Exercise)

In the elderly risk of fall increased due to impaired balance and gait, cognitive impairment, sensory defects and reduced muscle strength. In this research, the aim of the study is to compare the effect of BRACE (balance, resistance, aerobic exercises and cognitive exercises) and BRE (balance resistance Exercises) on fall risk and mobility level in the elderly population. Randomized control trial study of 6 weeks follows up. The sample size is 40. The patients will be randomly divided into two groups: BRACE and BRE. The patients will get a supervised protocol for 3 days per week for 3 to 9 week. The measurement will be taken at baseline, after 3, 6 and 9 weeks. The study duration is of 8 months. Sampling technique will be purposive sampling and random assignment through the sealed envelope method. Individuals of age above 60 years, either gender with Berg balance score 20-40, MMSE will be included. Individuals with Musculoskeletal conditions (fractures, severe arthritis grade iii and i), Neurological conditions like Epilepsy, Parkinson and Other systemic diseases or co-morbidities will be excluded. Assessment tools will be MMSE, Berg balance scale, TUG, 6 minutes walk test. Data will be analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.

In terms of morbidity and mortality fall is a major concern in older adults. Fall is defined as unintentional contact with the ground. 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), nutritional (vitamin D and calcium deficiency), medication (sedatives, antidepressants etc), environmental factors (improper shoes, poor lightning and unsafe stairs) and lack of exercise.

The most common mechanism of injury in the elderly population is falling about 30%-50% of falls in the elderly result in minor injuries, including bruises, abrasions, and lacerations, but an estimated 10% of all falls in seniors cause major injuries, including intracranial injuries and fractures. One per cent of all falls in this population result in hip fractures, which pose a significant risk for post-fall morbidity and mortality.

A case series was conducted at Shifa Tamer-e-Millat University Islamabad from January-July 2016. Sixteen adults more than 60 years age (07 males and 09 females) were recruited through convenient sampling. The specified Wii fit plus training was provided to all patients and the games included the Soccer heading, Ski slalom, table tilt and yoga. The Wii fit training improves the balance and reduces the fall risk in the older population.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual reality and strength training on the balance, fear of falling and handgrip strength of older women with a history of falls. Balance training consisting of virtual reality and strengthening exercises proved to be an effective tool to reduce the fear of falling and to improve the mobility of elderly female fallers and may be an acceptable treatment for the prevention of falls and balance recovery.

Older adults are prone to fall due to ageing. Mostly older adults aged 60 and above fall due to cognitive impairment, balance problems and physiological functioning. Many studies reported that prevention of fall is possible by adopting a healthy lifestyle, environmental modification, exercise and education. Exercise plays a very important role in fall prevention e.g exercise and tai chi training target balance, flexibility and strength can reduce fall and harm related to fall. Although it does not show a marked difference enjoyable exercise program training is beneficial to achieve healthy outcomes.

In the last few years, several journals had been published specifically on balance training exercises, resistance exercises and aerobic exercises separately. A new tool has been designed for fall risk reduction and to mobility in elderly is BRACE (Balance, Resistance, Aerobic, Cognition Exercises).

A randomized control trial was conducted to compare the effects of S-BRACE (Balance, Resistance, Aerobic, Cognition Exercises) versus conventional therapy on functional balance, mobility and fall risk reduction in elderly with moderate fall risk. It is concluded supervised BRACE training has a better outcome in improving dynamic balance, mobility and risk of fall reduction. Cognitive improvement was observed in both groups.

However, investigation on BRACE protocol is rare in literature. My aim is to compare the effect of BRACE protocol with BRE protocol on mobility and fall risk reduction in the elderly.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Berg balance score 20-40
* Mini-mental state examination not less than 23

Exclusion Criteria:

* Musculoskeletal conditions (fractures, severe arthritis grade iii and iv)
* Neurological conditions like Epilepsy, Parkinson,
* Alzheimer's, Impaired cognition
* Other systemic diseases or co-morbidities