Improving Balance in Frail Elderly

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The objective of this pilot study is to estimate, for a frail elderly population, the extent to which balance improves following a Core-Strength training program in comparison to a Stretch & Strength program. A secondary objective is to explore the impact of core strength training on urinary incontinence.

Detailed Description
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Participants will be randomized to one of the two exercise groups, Core-Strength training group or the Stretch & Strength group. The exercises will consist of 15-20 minute session for every day they attend the GDH. Measures will be made at admission, after 6 weeks of the program and at discharge if more than past 6 weeks.

Official Title
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Improving Balance in Frail Elderly: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Two Methods to Enhance Strength (Stretch and Strength Versus Core Strength)

Conditions
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Elderly, Frail

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Core


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: elderly persons attending the geriatric day hospital at the royal victoria hospital Exclusion Criteria: persons who are not medically fit to participate in the Geriatric day hospital physiotherapy component. the individuals at high risk for falls
Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: core<br>strength training of the core muscles. | Other: Core<br>* We have devised a series of core strength training exercises that can be easily and safely performed under the supervision of trained staff. The exercises will be individualized depending on the participants' ability and health conditions. The majority, but not all, of exercises will be performed on or with exercise balls of different sizes and shapes, round for more advanced persons and oval for more frail persons.<br>|
| No Intervention: stretch and strength<br>This program consists of general stretching exercises and peripheral muscle strengthening exercises with a special emphasis on strengthening the upper extremity muscles because of their importance for ADL but not necessarily balance. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Berg balance scale |  | baseline, 6 weeks, discharge | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Functional walking capacity 6 minute walk test |  | baseline, 6 weeks, discharge | 
| Gait speed |  | baseline, 6 weeks, discharge | 
| Bridge Test |  | Baseline, 6 weeks, discharge | 
| Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC Scale) |  | Baseline, 6 weeks, Discharge | 
| International Consultation on Urinary Incontinence Questionnaire- Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI) |  | Baseline, 6 weeks, discharge | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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elderly, balance, core, strength