Improving Balance in Frail Elderly

McGill University

Status and phase: Completed; Early Phase 1

Conditions: Frail; Elderly

Treatments: Other: Core

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT00785746

SDR-06--010

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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.

Enrollment: 60 patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

60 participants in 2 patient groups

core

Experimental group

Description:

strength training of the core muscles.

Treatment:

Other: Core

stretch and strength

No Intervention group

Description:

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.