Efecto de un programa de ejercicio físico sobre el riesgo de caídas, equilibrio y velocidad de la marcha en personas mayores con discapacidad intelectual / Effects of a physical exercise programme on the risk of falls, balance, and walking speed in older people with intellectual disabilities

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las personas con discapacidad intelectual (DI) presentan problemas de equilibrio y riesgo de caídas, que se agravan con el envejecimiento. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo proporcionar información sobre los efectos de un programa de ejercicio en el riesgo de caídas, equilibrio y velocidad de la marcha en un grupo de personas mayores con DI. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Ocho personas con DI leve a moderada (edad media: 56,37+/-7,08 años) participaron en un programa de 12 semanas de duración, basado en la realización de una sesión semanal que incluía ejercicios dirigidos al fortalecimiento de la musculatura estabilizadora, a estimular la propiocepción y a potenciar los reflejos en situaciones de inestabilidad. Los efectos del programa sobre el riesgo de caída y sobre el equilibrio y la velocidad de la marcha fueron valorados mediante la escala de Tinetti y la prueba Timed Up and Go, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: El programa resultó factible y no se registraron efectos adversos. Tras la finalización del mismo el riesgo de caídas no sufrió modificaciones, mientras que el equilibrio y la velocidad de la marcha mejoraron significativamente. CONCLUSIONES: Un programa semanal de 3 meses de duración, basado en la realización de ejercicios de fortalecimiento muscular y reeducación propioceptiva, se mostró factible y tuvo un impacto positivo sobre el equilibrio y la velocidad de la marcha en un grupo de personas mayores con DI. Estos resultados sientan las bases para que futuros ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, dirigidos a confirmar los efectos de este tipo de programas en el riesgo de caídas presente en esta población, puedan ser convenientemente diseñados

INTRODUCTION: People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have balance disturbances and risk of falls, which are aggravated with ageing. This study aimed to provide information on the effects of an exercise programme on fall risk, balance, and walking speed in a group of older people with ID. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight people with mild to moderate ID (mean age: 56.37+/-7.08 years) participated in a 12-week programme based on a weekly session that included exercises aimed at strengthening stabilising muscles, stimulating proprioception, and enhancing reflexes in unstable situations. The effects of the programme on the risk of falling and on balance and walking speed were assessed using the Tinetti scale and the Timed Up and Go test, respectively. RESULTS: The programme was feasible and no adverse effects were registered. At the end of the programme, the risk of falls remained unchanged, while balance and gait speed improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: A three-month weekly programme based on muscle strengthening and proprioceptive re-education exercises was feasible and had a positive impact on balance and walking speed in a group of older people with ID. These results lay the foundation for future randomised clinical trials aiming to confirm the effects of such programmes on the risk of falls in this population

[Effects of a physical exercise programme on the risk of falls, balance, and walking speed in older people with intellectual disabilities]. / Efecto de un programa de ejercicio físico sobre el riesgo de caídas, equilibrio y velocidad de la marcha en personas mayores con discapacidad intelectual.

INTRODUCTION: People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have balance disturbances and risk of falls, which are aggravated with ageing. This study aimed to provide information on the effects of an exercise programme on fall risk, balance, and walking speed in a group of older people with ID. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight people with mild to moderate ID (mean age: 56.37±7.08 years) participated in a 12-week programme based on a weekly session that included exercises aimed at strengthening stabilising muscles, stimulating proprioception, and enhancing reflexes in unstable situations. The effects of the programme on the risk of falling and on balance and walking speed were assessed using the Tinetti scale and the Timed Up and Go test, respectively. RESULTS: The programme was feasible and no adverse effects were registered. At the end of the programme, the risk of falls remained unchanged, while balance and gait speed improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: A three-month weekly programme based on muscle strengthening and proprioceptive re-education exercises was feasible and had a positive impact on balance and walking speed in a group of older people with ID. These results lay the foundation for future randomised clinical trials aiming to confirm the effects of such programmes on the risk of falls in this population.