Comparison of Two Different Exercise Methods in Geriatrics

Timed Up &Go Test

Time Frame: At baseline and at week 12

This test is an assessment tool used to predict fall risk in the elderly. It is a test that measures the time between the individual getting up from the chair, walking 3 meters, and turning and sitting again. If the time taken is more than 35 seconds, it is interpreted as an increased risk of falling, while if it is less than 15 seconds, it is interpreted as a decreased risk of falling (Browne et al. 2018).

Six Minute Walking Test

Time Frame: At baseline and at week 12

It is a test used to evaluate an individual's aerobic capacity. Individuals are asked to walk as much as possible for 6 minutes in a corridor that is at least 30 meters long and has a flat and hard surface. The distance traveled in 6 minutes is recorded. While the average walking distance is 570 meters for men aged 50-70 and 540 meters for women; It is stated as 530 meters for men aged 70-80 and 470 meters for women. Test results lower than these values may be associated with a decrease in aerobic capacity (American Thoracic Society 2002).

Functional Reaching Test

Time Frame: At baseline and at week 12

It is an easily applicable dynamic balance measurement technique that has features similar to functional movements. It is a test that can be completed in 5 minutes and evaluates how far the person can reach forward while in a fixed position and their stability during this time, accompanied by an observer. The participant is asked to stand in a stable upright position against a wall (not touching it). The arm is extended against the wall at 90 degrees and the location of the 3rd metacarpal bone is recorded. The participant is asked to lie forward as much as possible without taking a step, and the location of the 3rd metacarpal bone is recorded. The difference between the initial and final localizations of the 3rd metacarpal bone is measured. 3 trials are made and the average of the last two is taken. Distances below 15 cm have been found to be associated with an increased risk of falling (Weiner et al. 1992).

Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment

Time Frame: At baseline and at week 12

This functional test, which is used to determine the risk of falling in the elderly, contains 13 items for balance and 9 items for walking. In the balance test, each item is scored as 0, 1, 2. In the walking test, each item is scored as 0 or 1. A separate score can be calculated for balance and walking, as well as a total score. It is thought that those with scores of 26 and below have problems in terms of balance and walking functions, and it has been stated in studies that those with scores of 19 and below have a fivefold increased risk of falling compared to normal people (Tinetti 1986; Çifçili et al. 2004; Onat et al. 2014).

Performanz Balance System

Time Frame: At baseline and at week 12

It is an electronic monitoring device designed to analyze lower extremity muscle groups that affect human balance. The basic method used is to reveal the contraction behavior of the muscles by following the balance focus. The device measured the differences between dynamic and static balance, eyes open and eyes closed balance, double leg and single leg (right/left) balance, and right/left foot balance in elderly individuals. During the test, the participant was asked to stand on the balance system and maintain his balance by following the commands given. The platform is linked to computer software that allows the balance to be evaluated objectively. Thanks to this software, measurements were monitored from the researcher's tablet or laptop (Performans Arge ve Yazılım Hizmetleri A.Ş. 2020).