| dc.description.abstract | The physical fitness of elderly individuals deteriorates as they grow older, and falls and
fall-related injuries are common manifestations of this degradation. Existing interventions
lack practical applicability, and high dropout rates in physical activity studies question their
effectiveness. The Lebed Method, a dance program by Sherry Lebed Davis, which has
successfully aided breast cancer survivors, offers promise in reducing risk factors for falls.
Its potential to reduce fall risks among older people who struggle with physical activity
merits exploration. This aligns with universal healthcare principles, emphasizing the
importance of addressing and preventing falls and their consequent injuries in the elderly
population. This study evaluated the Lebed Method's effects on intrinsic fall risk factors
and cognitive function using a community-based randomized control trial with 30
participants aged 60 years. Participants, chosen based on low social support scores, were
divided into intervention and control groups and had to meet specific inclusion criteria.
Baseline measures were recorded for physical performance (Physical activity, handgrip
strength, and leg press strength, 6-Minute Walk Test [6MWT]), functional stability
(mobility and balance), assessed by gait speed, de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) score,
Timed Up and Go (TUG) times, and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores) and fall
apprehension, which entails Fall risk (Morse Fall Scale), fall efficacy (Falls Efficacy Scale
International (FES-I) score), and cognitive function associated with fall (Mini-Mental State
Examination [MMSE] score). An intention-to-treat analysis was applied, meaning
participants were analysed based on their assigned group, regardless of the intervention
received. Study design and implementation biases such as selection, performance,
detection, attrition, and reporting biases were mitigated. The study used the Analysis of
Covariance to assess changes between groups, controlling for baseline value variations,
while within-group changes were examined using the dependent sample t-test. Statistical
significance was set at p < 0.05. The results showed that the intervention group improved
significantly in physical performance compared to the control group. Specifically, the
intervention participants displayed elevated IPAQ scores (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.50, d=1.97),
handgrip strength (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.64, d=2.95), leg press strength (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.51,
d=1.76) and functional capacity as measured by the 6MWT performance (p < .001, ηp2 =
0.59, d=1.85). The findings also showed that the intervention group significantly improved
physical stability compared to the control group. Specifically on gait speed (p < .001, ηp2
= 0.65, d=1.99), DEMMI score (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.38, d=1.94), TUG times (p < .001, ηp2 =
0.53, d=3.38), and BBS scores (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.64, d=1.97). Improvement in the
intervention group was also noted in fall apprehension, as measured by the Morse fall scale
(p < .001, ηp2 = 0.62, d=2.20) and fall efficacy (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.53, d=2.33). However,
cognitive function, as assessed by the MMSE score, did not exhibit significant changes in
either group (intervention m= 28.22, SD= 1.05, p = .092, vs. control m=26.07, SD= 2.12, p
= .09). Linear regression analysis indicated that leg press strength, balance, and mobility
significantly predict fear of falls, while other variables were not significant predictors. The
intervention enhanced physical performance and stability and reduced fear of falls in older
people, though it did not improve cognitive function. It is recommended that health
promotion initiatives for the elderly by government or individuals include dance-based
therapy programs. Future research should concentrate on improving cognitive function for
more comprehensive interventions aimed at the well-being of the ageing population. | en_US |
