Effects of a multisensory supervised training for six weeks in balance and quality of life of the elderly

Abstract

Study design: This is an experimental study. Objective: Evaluate the balance and the quality of life of elderly submitted to a multi-sensory training supervised. Methodology: The subjects were 20 seniors who participated in a multi-sensory training program twice a week for six weeks. Balance evaluation instruments were used: Berg Scale (BS), Sensitize Romberg Test (SRT), Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Test Timed Up and Go (TUG) and of the quality of life were performed using WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-OLD questionnaires. The variables were analysed using descriptive and comparative methods (paired t-test). Results: The age ranged from 60-81 years (67 ± 6,0 years). Most were female (95%) and white (60%) and married (60%). All related variables assessed balance showed significantly better results after the multisensory training. Regarding the assessment of quality of life, WHOQOL-BREF significant increase in all areas, except the environment. But the WHOQOL-OLD improved significantly only for the domain autonomy. Conclusion: This study showed that the practice of a multisensory training provides short-term benefits, balancing gains and quality of life of elderly and it is an important health promotion strategy for this population