The Impact of Physical Exercises on Balance Ability, Lower Body Strength, and Risk of Fall in Sedentary Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background.Vietnam is experiencing rapid population aging, with the proportion of individuals aged 60 and older projected to increase.This demographic shift is accompanied by a rise in frailty, a condition characterized by decreased physical and functional abilities, significantly increasing the risk of falls among older adults.Objectives.This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of physical exercise on balance, lower body strength, and fall risk in sedentary older adults.The primary hypothesis of this study was that physical exercise would significantly improve balance ability, lower body strength, and reduce the risk of falls in sedentary older adults.Methods.Sixty subjects aged 65 to 75 were recruited to participate in this study.Subjects were divided into two groups: Experiment group (30 subjects: 17 males, 13 females) and Control group (30 subjects: 17 males, 13 females).Participants were asked to complete an informed consent form before the intervention.Participants in the experiment group attended a 60-minute physical exercise session twice a week for 12 weeks.Control group participants were informed not to do any new exercise program but to maintain their daily activities.Results.A randomized controlled trial was conducted.After 12 weeks of physical exercise training, participants in the experiment group showed significantly better results in balance ability and lower body strength via tests compared to the control group, as determined by statistical one-way ANOVA.Specifically, improvements were observed in standing on one leg with eyes open (F=15.50,P=0.000), standing on one leg with eyes closed (F=92.13,P=0.000), falls efficacy scale (F=106.89,P=0.000), chair stand (F=52.13,P=0.000), and 8-foot up and go test (F=23.12,P=0.000).Conclusion.Based on the results, physical exercise can significantly enhance balance ability and lower body strength in sedentary older adults.Further study could be conducted specifically targeting individuals with multiple chronic conditions.Alternatively, studies could explore the impact of exercise interventions on individuals with frailty syndromes.