Static magnets: effects on balance of elderly hemiparetic patients

ABSTRACT

Static magnets are those whose force is always present and constant. Static magnets are commonly being used as an alternative therapy for many conditions. There are many published studies showing the therapeutic benefits of static magnets on balance, fatigue, stress, insomnia, reaction time, and headaches. The purpose of this study was to determine if static magnetic insoles will help in increasing balance of elderly hemiparetic patients. Sixteen hemiparetic subjects were participated in this study, nine males and seven females with the mean age of 62.56 [4.03 years old. All subjects were admitted with an initial Berg Balance Test Score [BBT] of less than 56. Qualified subjects were tested twice using the Berg Balance Test [BBT] and functional reach test [FR]. Both the investigators and the subjects were blinded as to whether the placebo or real magnets were inserted into their shoes with the help of a non - bias volunteer. The results of this study showed that hemiparetic patients with balance problems cannot immediately benefit from increased balance by application of static magnetic shoe inserts