Effect of Balance Exercise on Reducing The Risk of Falls in The ElderlyEffect of Balance Exercise on Reducing The Risk of Falls in The Elderly

Abstract

Health levels are influenced by many factors, one of which is the decline or physical changes that occur in the musculoskeletal system, namely reduced muscle mass, stiffness of connective tissue and osteoporosis. This can cause decreased muscle strength, especially lower extremity muscles, physical endurance, and coordination as well as limited mobility in the elderly. Reduced muscle strength and loss of balance put the elderly at a very high risk of falling, which can cause injury, reduced mobility, decreased independence, self-confidence and lifestyle changes and even death in the elderly. Prevention is the first step that must be taken, because if a fall occurs, complications can arise, even minor ones can be serious. Falls can be prevented by improving environmental conditions deemed unsafe, identifying risk factors, assessing balance and gait, and providing balance training. Balance exercises are a series of movements performed to improve static and dynamic balance by stretching and strengthening. Balance training is aimed at improving the vestibular system, or body balance. Balance exercises are very useful for empowering the elderly to optimize their abilities and avoid the risk of falls. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of body balance exercise on reducing the risk of falls in the elderly in Teluk Village in 2024. The research method used was a quasi-experimental design study with a One Group Pretest and Posttest design, using the Wilcoxon sign rank test. A sample of 32 respondents with a total sampling technique. The statistical test used was the Wilcoxon sign rank test. From the results of the statistical test, it was obtained p value = 0.000 (α = 0.05), thus p value < from α so that Ho is rejected. So it can be concluded that there is an influence of Balance Exercise (Balance Training) of the Body on Reducing the Risk of Falls in the Elderly in Teluk Village.