Effectiveness of the knee neuromuscular exercise program on gait, postural sway, balance and fall risk among geriatric subjects with kinesiophobia

Population ageing is a rapidly growing global phenomenon, with the number of people aged 60 years and above expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, most of them living in low- and middle-income countries. India is experiencing a significant rise in its elderly population, largely in rural areas and among lower socioeconomic groups, leading to increased health and social challenges. Age-related declines in balance, gait, muscle strength, and physical activity, combined with high levels of inactivity and frailty, substantially increase fall risk among older adults. Falls are a major cause of injury, loss of independence, and mortality in the geriatric population. Psychological factors such as kinesiophobia (fear of movement) further worsen physical decline by promoting inactivity. Neuromuscular impairments, particularly at the knee joint, play a key role in gait instability and balance deficits. Although neuromuscular exercise programs have shown benefits in improving physical function, their effectiveness in geriatric individuals with kinesiophobia remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week knee neuromuscular exercise program on gait, postural sway, balance, fall risk, and levels of kinesiophobia in elderly individuals. The research seeks to provide a comprehensive approach to fall prevention by addressing both physical and psychological factors affecting the geriatric population.