Effect of Different Treadmill Inclination Training on Postural Balance in Elderly

Abstract Background: Imbalance in elderly leading to frequent falling. This is a common and fatal problem in which increasing morbidity and mortality rate in society among the elderly. This study showed the effect of training on inclined treadmill with different angles of inclination on postural balance in elderly. Aim of Study: To evaluate the effect of walking on treadmill with different angles of inclination on postural balance in elderly. Subjects and Methods: Forty elderly patients of both sexes (21 males and 19 females) their age ranged from 60 to 70 years old were selected from orthopedic outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. The patients were divided into two groups; each group consisted of twenty patients. Group (A) performed gait training on treadmill with 10% inclination then with 20% inclination in addition to simple program of static balance exercises 2 times/week and group (B) control group performed program of gait training on inclined treadmill with only 10% inclination in addition to simple program of static balance exercises. The balance was assessed by Biodex Balance Systembefore the beginning of the study and after 8 weeks of treatment. Results: Statistical analysis of pairwise comparison test (time effect) for Biodex scores within each group showed that there were significantly (p=0.0001; p<0.05) decreased in Biodex scores at post-treatment compared to pre-treatment within study group with improvement percentage 31.54%. But, no significant difference (p=0.755; p>0.05) between pre-and post-treatment Biodex scores within control group with improvement percentage 8.01%. Moreover, study group im-proved higher Biodex scores (31.54%) than control group (8.01%). So, this significant decrease in Biodex scores at post-treatment is favorable of the study group than the control group. Conclusion: It was found that walking with different angles on inclined treadmill was helpful in improving postural balance in elderly >60 years.