The effect of targeted kinesiotherapy aimed at improving walking parameters and preventing falls in the elderly population

Abstract

Starting point: Seniors exhibit a typical imbalance, posture, and gait disorder known as senile motor disorder. This disorder manifests itself in a stooped posture, slow movements, shortened stride length, reduced speed of movement, prolonged double support phase, impaired gait rhythm and foot roll-off, reduced push-off force during foot roll-off, and synkinesis of the upper limbs. Gait disorders and related sudden, unexpected falls are the most common cause of disability in the elderly population. The aim of the clinical study was to create an intervention exercise program focused on improving walking parameters and related prevention.

Group: The study group consisted of 30 seniors, 12 men and 18 women, aged 72-86, who met the predefined selection criteria. The average age of the women was 77 years, and that of the men was 77.5 years.

Methods: In the presented clinical study, selected seniors were tested using the Biodex Gait Trainer 2 device, with which we monitored the distance walked, walking speed, and stride length before and after completing 5 weeks of targeted kinesiotherapy. The results were statistically evaluated using statistical description and inference procedures and are presented in tables and graphs.

Results: From the measured results, we can conclude that in the length of the left lower limb step, 25 participants showed an increase in values and 5 showed a decrease; in the right lower limb, we recorded a lengthening of the step in 23 participants, a shortening in 6 participants, and in one senior citizen, the same values as in the first measurement. We have recorded an overall improvement in the stride length of both lower limbs, i.e., an increase in values. The test confirmed that the distance covered increased in 28 seniors and decreased in 2 participants. At average speed, we recorded an increase in 28 participants, a decrease in only 1, and identical values in one senior from the selected sample. We interpret this to mean that there was a statistically significant improvement in both walking parameters.

Conclusions: Research shows that old age is much more plastic than previously thought. This means that it is possible to train various skills until an old age. Despite the involution of the musculoskeletal system, we are convinced that systematic physical activity can maintain or even improve certain motor skills. Regular implementation of our chosen targeted kinesiotherapy led to an improvement in stride length, distance covered, and speed, as clearly demonstrated by the output values measured by the Biodex Gait Trainer 2 device and subsequent statistical evaluation. In light of the results, we can conclude that targeted kinesiotherapy and intervention exercise programs can positively influence gait parameters and thus form an integral part of fall prevention in the elderly population.