| Effect of public exercise and daily walking on balance in older adults |
| Paper ID : 1211-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Abolfazl Nayebi-Safa * M.Sc. Student in Pathology and Corrective Exercises, Bu-Ali Sina University Member of the National Association of Sports Injury and Corrective Movements of Iran Head of the Research Committee of the Hamedan Province Taekwondo Federation, Hamedan, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Maintaining postural balance is fundamental for independence and safety in older adults, yet age‑related declines in sensory and neuromuscular systems predispose them to instability and falls. Regular participation in structured physical activity, particularly daily walking, improves lower‑limb strength, coordination, and mobility. However, few studies have compared balance performance among older adults with different community‑based activity patterns. This study examined the relationship between habitual public exercise and postural stability measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Methods: Thirty community‑dwelling adults aged 60–80 years were assigned to three groups by physical activity history: sedentary (no exercise), newly active (regular exercise in the past six months), and long‑term active (over two years of continuous training). Balance was assessed with the 14‑item BBS, and daily activity with a 20‑item elderly activity questionnaire on a 5‑point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26. Descriptive statistics (mean ± SD) were computed, and normality and homogeneity verified with Shapiro–Wilk and Levene tests. One‑way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD post hoc test evaluated group differences (α = 0.05). Results: Normal distributions (p = 0.241) and homogeneity of variance (p = 0.326) were confirmed. ANOVA revealed significant between‑group differences (F(2,27)=8.54, p=0.001). Post hoc analysis showed progressively higher BBS scores from sedentary to newly active to long‑term exercisers, indicating graded improvement in balance with training exposure. These results suggest neuromuscular adaptation requires both initiation and maintenance of regular physical activity to preserve postural control. Conclusion: Participation in structured community walking and exercise programs enhances balance and functional stability in older adults. Health professionals should include progressive, balance‑oriented activity plans as key components of elderly rehabilitation and fall‑prevention programs. |
| Keywords |
| Older Adults, Public Physical Activity, Regular Walking, Postural Stability, Berg Balance Scale |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
