How foot and ankle exercises can help older adults improve their Balance

Phase 2

Not yet recruiting

Conditions: Healthy geriatric population with mild to moderate risk of fall BBS- 21-56

Registration Number: CTRI/2025/02/081476

Brief Summary: TITLE -Effect of foot and ankle exercises on Balance in Geriatric population:

INTRODUCTION - Aging is a significant risk factor for morbidity, mortality and falls particularly among the elderly population in India, where life expectancy has increased.

RATIONALE - Age related changes, including muscle weakness, reduced bone density (e.g. osteoporosis) and decreased joint mobility, contribute to impaired balance and heightened fall risk. Additionally, cognitive decline, proprioceptive changes and vestibular system degradation also affect an elderly person’s ability to maintain stability. Foot structural changes further exacerbate these balance issues. The elderly often experience difficulty in maintaining balance due to compromised sensory system, joint stiffness and muscle weakness, increasing fall susceptibility. Furthermore, the fear of falling leads to reduction in mobility and quality of life. Effective balance recovery strategies, such as ankle and hip strategies are critical for reducing falls and improving stability. Understanding these age-related changes is essential for developing interventions that enhance balance, reduce falls and improve the overall well-being of elderly individuals.

AIM – The aim of this study was to determine whether strengthening of the foot and ankle muscles are significant determinants of balance and functional ability in older people.

OBJECTIVE -To assess the strength of foot and ankle exercise on Dynamic and Static balance with Berg Balance Scale and Functional Reach Test respectively.

PROTOCOL – A 4-week exercise protocol will be given for foot and ankle exercises which includes ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, inversion and eversion which will be progressed with theraband, Heel raise, toe-raise, gradually progressing exercises with hold, Toe – curling, marble pick up in sitting position progressed to standing position, lunges progressing with hold. Berg balance scale and functional reach test for dynamic and static balance respectively will be taken before and after the intervention.

Key Words – Foot and ankle exercise, Balance, Elderly

Detailed Description: Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: Not Yet Recruiting

Sex: All

Target Recruitment: 37

Inclusion Criteria

Mild to Moderate Risk Of Fall- BBS- 21-56 Not involved in any regular exercise programme.

Exclusion Criteria

Elderly having any peripheral vascular disease or Deep vein Thrombosis Any neurological disorder present Any recent injuries to lower limbs.

Study & Design

Study Type: Interventional

Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Berg Balance Scale	Baseline and post 4 weeks of intervention

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Functional Reach test	Baseline and post 4 weeks of intervention

Trial Locations

Locations (1): Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital
🇮🇳
(Suburban), MAHARASHTRA, India
Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital
🇮🇳(Suburban), MAHARASHTRA, India
Dr Shailja Mehta
Principal investigator
9825382610
shailja.mehta@nmims.edu