A novel sensorimotor movement and walking intervention to improve balance and gait in women
Abstract
Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 5-day mind-body exercise (MBE) program on measures of quality of life, balance, balance confidence, mobility and gait in community-dwelling women.
Methods: The MBE program was a 5-day retreat where multiple sessions of Feldenkrais®-based sensorimotor movement training and walking were performed daily. Forty-six women aged 40–80 years old participated in either the MBE program or maintained normal daily activity. Two-footed eyes-closed balance, gait characteristics, mobility via the Timed Up and Go test, balance confidence and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention.
Results: Women in the MBE group experienced improvements in mobility (6%; p = 0.01), stride length (3%; p = 0.008), single limb support time (1.3%; 0.006), balance confidence (5.2%; p < 0.001) and quality of life (p < 0.05) while the control group did not change.
Conclusion: This short-term intensive program may be beneficial to women at risk of mobility limitations.
Department
Kinesiology
Publication Date
11-1-2014
Journal Title
Complimentary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Publisher
Elsevier
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
S.B. Cook, LaRoche, D.P., Swartz, E.E., Hammond, P.R., King, M.A. (2014) A novel sensorimotor movement and walking intervention to improve balance and gait in women. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 20(4):311-316.
Rights
© 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.