Dynamic and Static Balance and the Speed of Reaction in the Elderly

The balance of the body in the elderly is disturbed for various reasons and relatively often. The aim of our research was to analyze the effect of five simple physiotherapeutic procedures on the reaction speed as well as static and dynamic balance in the elderly. 60 people (women and men diagnosed with degenerative changes of the spine, chronic period of the disease) aged 65-95 years were analyzed. Patients were randomly assigned to the study group (30 people - participating in the three-week physiotherapy program) and the control group (30 people - not participating in the program). The test consisted in checking the state of static (postural stability) and dynamic (risk of falls) balance on the Biodex SD dynamic platform and the assessment of speed in the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test. The results of our research showed that five simple physiotherapy treatments can significantly improve the reaction speed and the dynamic and static balance in the sagittal plane in the elderly.