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The Effects of Electrical Stimulation Program on Navicular Height, Balance, and Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Elderly

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  • Juntip Namsawang

    (Department of Physical Therapy, Allied Health Sciences Faculty, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
    Exercise and Nutrition Innovation and Sciences Research Unit, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand)

  • Pornpimol Muanjai

    (Department of Physical Therapy, Allied Health Sciences Faculty, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
    Exercise and Nutrition Innovation and Sciences Research Unit, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand)

  • Nongnuch Luangpon

    (Department of Physical Therapy, Allied Health Sciences Faculty, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand)

  • Sirirat Kiatkulanusorn

    (Department of Physical Therapy, Allied Health Sciences Faculty, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand)

Abstract

Introduction: Intrinsic foot muscle weakness is a crucial cause of balance deficit in the elderly, which leads to a limited range of motion from the fear of falling and subsequently decreases the quality of life. Muscle strengthening via transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is an effective intervention; however, its effects on elderly people have rarely been reported. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of TENS on navicular height, balance, and fear of falling. Method: In this study, forty-eight participants aged 65–75 years were included and were randomly divided into two groups: the TENS and control groups. Before and after 4 weeks of training, navicular height, balance, and fear of falling were measured. Result: After 4 weeks of training, navicular height significantly increased in both groups ( p < 0.05); however, the increase was higher in the TENS group ( p = 0.035). The TENS group had a better improvement in balance in all four directions—front, back, left, and right ( p < 0.05). However, postural balance improvements in the control group were observed in three directions only—front, back, and left ( p < 0.05)—without any significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, the TENS group decreased the scale of fear of falling after 4 weeks of training ( p = 0.039). Conclusion: In summary, the results of this study can be used as part of the muscle strengthening via ES for decreasing the risk of falls or fear of falling in the elderly.

Suggested Citation

  • Juntip Namsawang & Pornpimol Muanjai & Nongnuch Luangpon & Sirirat Kiatkulanusorn, 2021. "The Effects of Electrical Stimulation Program on Navicular Height, Balance, and Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Elderly," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-9, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:17:p:9351-:d:629063
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Du-Jin Park & Young-In Hwang, 2020. "Comparison of the Intrinsic Foot Muscle Activities between Therapeutic and Three-Dimensional Foot-Ankle Exercises in Healthy Adults: An Explanatory Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-10, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Juntip Namsawang & Pornpimol Muanjai, 2022. "Combined Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Short Foot Exercise Improves Navicular Height, Muscle Size, Function Mobility, and Risk of Falls in Healthy Older Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-10, June.
    2. Pornpimol Muanjai & Juntip Namsawang & Danguole Satkunskienė & Sigitas Kamandulis, 2022. "Associations between Muscle-Tendon Morphology and Functional Movements Capacity, Flexibility, and Balance in Older Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-11, December.

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    1. Juntip Namsawang & Pornpimol Muanjai, 2022. "Combined Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Short Foot Exercise Improves Navicular Height, Muscle Size, Function Mobility, and Risk of Falls in Healthy Older Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-10, June.

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