Effects of functional and balance training on quality of life among community dwelling older adults

Introduction: The effectiveness of exercise interventions in older people with milder levels of balance dysfunction remains largely unexplored. There is scarce evidence on the effects of exercise interventions designed to prevent falls on the quality of life in older adults. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare functional training and balance training in their influence on quality of life among older adults with mild to moderate fall risk. Materials and Methods: Community dwelling individuals over 65 years of age with balance dysfunction were randomly allocated into functional and balance training interventions for 24 weeks. Quality of life was measured with the WHOQOL- BREF instrument before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was done by using Student's unpaired "t" test. Results: A total of 116 older adults (82 female, 34 male, mean age of 67.31 ± 3.06 years) completed the study, with 58 subjects in each group. WHOQOL-BREF score changes for the functional training group were 22.71±8.77on the physical domain, 19.59±9.90 on the psychological domain and 2.57±5.31 on the social domain and 22.28±7.76 on the environmental domain. For the balance training group, score changes were 8.21±7.30on the physical domain, 9.95±6.72on the psychological domain and 1.93±5.67 on the social domain and 10.50±6.67 on the environmental domain. While both interventions were beneficial, functional training led to greater improvement in quality of life among community dwelling older adults.