Senior Balance Exercises, Dual Complexity And Fall Risk

 Looking At Senior Balance Exercises, Dual Complexity And Falls

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com

Medical researchers have been investigating the correlation between senior balance exercises, combining mental tasks, gait speeds and the risk of falling. Manuel Montero-Odasso, MD, PhD, Susan W. Muir, PhD, Mark Speechley, PhD in their study, Dual-Task Complexity Affects Gait in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Interplay Between Gait Variability, Dual Tasking, and Risk of Falls, detailed the interactions of thinking tasks, balance exercises, gait  abilities and the incidence of falling. These researchers set out to determine the effect of two different dual tasks on gait variability in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared with control subjects. In their study, gait was assessed under single (usual walking) and dual tasking (naming animals and subtracting serial 7s), using an electronic walkway. The dependent variable was the coefficient of variation of gait variability, a marker of gait stability and an established risk factor for falls. Their results showed a significant difference within and between groups (P=.016) of increasing gait variability as dual-task complexity increased. Gait velocity decreased within groups as dual-task complexity increased. The magnitude of increased gait variability across tasks was greater for the MCI group (2.68%– 9.84%) than for the control group (1.86%–3.74%), showing a significant between-group difference. There researchers concluded that Dual-task load significantly increased gait variability in the MCI group compared with the control group, an effect that was larger than the changes in gait velocity. The magnitude of this impairment on gait stability was related to the complexity of the dual task applied. Our findings help to explain the high risk of falls recently described in older adults with MCI, and may help in the identification of fall risk in cognitively impaired persons. Please see   http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now

Walking Abilities And Senior Balance Exercises

  The importance of practicing senior balance exercises is demonstrated in the above research. This study reminds us that for older adults combining mental tasks with walking results in decreased stability and a higher risk for falling. Typically throughout our day we all are engaged in activities that involve combining mental tasks and walking. For example, often times we maneuver in the bathroom while thinking about which pills to take or what errands to do that day. Additionally, we may walk in the kitchen while thinking about what to eat, what to get out of the refrigerator, or what pan to pull out of the cupboard. Furthermore, we may enjoy a walk outside while discussing the day’s events with a spouse or a friend. The best way to maintain good steadiness while walking and thinking of other things is to perform stability exercises every day to improve balance abilities. You can practice easy to more challenging senior balance exercises with the routine developed by a Physical Therapist in the Exercise For Balance DVD.

Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

    To be safe with walking, begin the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The Balance DVD is made for folks like you and your loved ones to use at home or in a group setting. The DVD is filled with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like dancing and hiking. In the Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, balance techniques and balance routines from a licensed Physical Therapist who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button

Begin a safe walking program by starting balance exercises today with the Exercise For Balance DVD to improve balance and prevent falls.
For more information see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health-information/