Comparative analysis of square stepping exercise and Swiss ball exercise for enhancing balance and preventing falls in older adults: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: Falls significantly contribute to morbidity and impairment among the elderly, with more than one-third of adults aged 65 and older experiencing falls each year, and nearly half encountering recurring incidents. Contributing variables encompass cognitive impairment due to chronic illness, pain, mood changes and fractures associated with osteoporosis, especially of the femoral neck. This study sought to assess the influence of square stepping exercises (SSEs) on balance in older persons and to compare their efficacy with Swiss ball exercises (SWEs). Methods: This exploratory investigation was implemented for a duration of 4 weeks at the Physiotherapy Outpatient Department at ACS Medical College and Hospital. Thirty participants aged 60–80 years, with no prior square stepping or SWE experience in the past 3 months, were recruited through voluntary sampling. Both males and females were included, while those with neurological, musculoskeletal, unstable cardiovascular/respiratory conditions, or uncontrolled diabetes were excluded. Participants were randomized into two groups: Group A performed square stepping, and Group B practiced SWEs. Sessions lasted 30 min, thrice weekly, with balance assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) Scale. Results: Significant improvements ( P ≤ 0.05) were observed in both the experimental group and the control group, as evidenced by pre- and posttest comparisons of BBS and FAB scale scores. Conclusion: The findings indicate that both SSEs and SWEs effectively improve balance, as reflected in the scores of the BBS and FAB Scale.