Effect of Exercise on Posture, Neck Proprioception and Balance in Older Adults

Background: Falls are one of the most frequent and serious problems facing older adults. Approximately 30-40% of people over 65 years of age fall each year. The frequency of falls increases with each decade beyond this threshold and approximately 20-30% of older adult fallers require hospitalization, assuming an increased risk of mortality. Postural balance and stability involve cooperation between visual, proprioceptive and vestibular sensory systems to achieve a motor response. Disturbance in any of these systems can result in abnormal postural orientation and lead to instability or dizziness. Among these systems, proprioception provides sensory input from the peripheries to the central nervous system; therefore, it plays a critical role to maintain optimal body alignment. Patients/Materials and Methods: Nineteen participants aged 65 to 79 years were recruited. Outcome measures included static balance, cervical JPE, and FHA . Participants were asked to complete an 8-week HEP. They also were provided guidance on behavioral modification strategies and received daily text reminders regarding the HEP and proper body posture. Results: There was a significant increase in the composite score of the balance over time (74.4 ± 14.5 versus 71.4 ± 14.2; p=0.006). There also was a significant decrease in mean FHA (48.3 ± 8.4 versus 51.2 ± 8.5; p=0.002). In the self-selected position, there was a significant decrease in mean ±SD cervical spine JPE for extension over time (post versus pre) (4.4±3.3 versus 7.1±5.0, p=0.014; Cohen’s d =0.62). However, there were no significant changes in flexion, rotation right, and rotation left (p>0.05). In the upright position, there were no significant changes in flexion, extension, rotation right, and rotation left over time (p>0.05). In Addition, there was a significant difference in mean ± SD extension between self-selected and upright positions at baseline (7.1±5.0 versus 4.3±4.2, p=0.027; Cohen’s d=0.55).