Effect of Frenkel's Training on Gait, Postural Stability and Balance in Elderly Women with Kyphosis

Background & aim: Balance, gait, and postural stability change naturally with age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Frankel exercises on gait, posture stability and balance in elderly women with kyphosis. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-test, 30 women with kyphosis referred to the Elderly Research Center of Kermanshah province were participated. They were selected by available sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of Frankel exercises (n=15) and control group (n=15). The Frankel training group participated in the training program for 5 weeks (3 sessions per week and one hour each session). But the control group did not participate in any training program. The subjects' gait, balance and stability were assessed before and after the selected exercises. In order to analyze the data, descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (analysis of covariance and paired t-test) and SPSS-25 software were used. Results: The results showed that in the experimental group, there was a significant difference in scores related to kinematic parameters, 180 degree rotation test (number of steps) and leaf balance scale test between pretest and posttest (p<0.05). While in the control group, this difference was not significant. Conclusion: Frankl's exercises appear to be effective in improving gait, posture stability, and balance in the elderly with kyphosis. Therefore, careful administration of Frankel exercises in these individuals may be helpful.