MEASUREMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS OF PNF AND BALANCE TRAINING ON GAIT AND BALANCE IN OLDER ADULTS
Chitranshi Tomar   Nusrat Hamdani  Tarun Lala    

Abstract:
Study design: Pretest - Post test experimental design

Objectives: Older adults or elderly are the human beings who are going through the process of ageing, which represent as accumulation of changes comprising physical, psychological and social changes. Walking is the most efficient functionwhich declines with ageing. In this study we aimed to evaluate effect of two exercise program on balance and gait.

Methods : In this study 40 subjects of age 60-75 years of age who have difficulty in walking were participated and allocated into two group PNF group(n=20) and balance training group(n=20).One group was treated with PNF training and other group with balance training by biodex for 4 weeks. Outcome measures were timed up and go test, berg balance score and gait parameters which were assessed before and after the intervention.

Results: Result of the study shows that both the intervention are highly effective in improving Berg balance score and timed up and go score. Both the intervention are also effective in improving gait parameters such as cadence, average speed which improves the mediolateral margin of stability and backward margin of stability. Conclusion:Both the interventions are effective to improve balance and gait among older adults.

Keywords: Biodex, PNF