Ethics code: IR/SSRI.REC.1402.278
History
Received: 2024/05/30 | Accepted: 2024/08/5
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Abstract (12 Views)
Objectives: Preventing falls among the elderly is a critical public health concern in an aging society. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an eight-week square stepping exercise program on the risk of falling in elderly men.
Methods & Materials: This is a randomized clinical trial study to do it, call was issued to all day care centers for the elderly in Tehran. Thirty elderly men aged 60-75 volunteered, randomly assigned to either a square stepping exercise group or a control group. Fall risk was assessed using the Biodex balance system and the Fall Risk Test levels 10 to 12. The exercise group completed the square stepping exercise protocol three times per week for 60 minutes per session over eight weeks, while the control group maintained regular daily activities. Fall risk was reassessed after the intervention. Analysis of covariance was employed to compare pre- and post-intervention results between groups.
Results: After eight weeks, the risk of falling significantly decreased in the exercise group (2.35±1.15) compared to the control group (4.85±1.70) (P=0.001).
Conclusions: Square stepping exercises represent a simple, practical, and cost-effective method for elderly individuals to reduce the risk of falls, offering a viable home-based intervention.