Key result
Multicomponent balance and resistance training improves gait and reduces reported falls by ~41%.
Why the study?
Does a multicomponent balance and resistance training intervention improve physical function, balance, and reduce falls in older community-dwelling heart failure patients?
RCT (n=33)
Does a multicomponent balance and resistance training intervention improve physical function, balance, and reduce falls in older community-dwelling heart failure patients?
p-value: p=0.029
A multicomponent balance and resistance training intervention improves mobility and reduces falls in older patients with heart failure.
Supports multicomponent training in older HF care; extends exercise evidence for balance and fall reduction.
PURPOSE: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a multicomponent balance and resistance training intervention on physical function, balance, and falls in older (≥65 years) community-dwelling heart failure (HF) patients. DESIGN: Randomized, two-group repeated-measures experimental design. METHODS: The intervention involved once weekly supervised group sessions with home sessions encouraged twice weekly. Focus groups held pre/post intervention. Outcome variables included measures of physical function, balance confidence, and falling risk. FINDINGS: In a sample size of 33, the Dynamic Gait Index change from baseline to 12 weeks was significantly different in the groups (p = .029). The number of reported falls declined from 0.92 to 0.54 per participant. CONCLUSIONS: A supervised group session intervention can increase mobility and gait and reduce fall rate for HF patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study was designed to improve lower extremity strength, balance, and falls in elderly HF patients, thus reducing costs and improving quality of life for this population.
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McGuire et al. (2018) conducted an RCT in Heart failure (n=33). Multicomponent balance and resistance training was evaluated on Dynamic Gait Index change from baseline to 12 weeks (p=0.029). A multicomponent balance and resistance training intervention significantly improved Dynamic Gait Index scores (p=0.029) and reduced reported falls from 0.92 to 0.54 per participant.
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