The effect of 8 weeks of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization training on postural control, functional performance and quality of life in healthy elderly men

Beyond biological changes, ageing is often associated with degenerative and progressive changes in functional and physiological performance. Different types of exercise and rehabilitation method were introduced for resolving or preventing aging complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8- week- dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) training on functional performance and quality of life in healthy elderly men. Twenty-eight old men were selected by convenience sampling manner and divided randomly in two groups of experimental (n=13, age: 65.8±4.3 years, height: 1.63±5.92 cm, weight: 69.1±7.4 kg) and control (n=15, age: 66.3±3.8 years, height: 1.64±4.89 cm, weight: 70.1± 6.3 kg). The experimental group received neuromuscular stabilization training for 8 weeks and 3 sessions for 1 hour in a clinic in Baghdad. Static balance (by functional reach test), dynamic balance (by time-up and go test), functional performance (by Berge test), and quality of life (by Leiden-Padua (LEIPAD e questionnaire) were measured before and after training. Data was analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA in SPSS software. P value was set at P≤0.05. The results showed that the intergroup interaction in the variables of functional performance (F=53.3, P=0.00), quality of life (F=65.04, P=0.00), static (F=106.7, P=0.00) and dynamic (F=26.99, P=0.00) balance was significant with the superiority of the DNS group. Postural control, functional performance and quality of life improved after training protocol. Therefore, DNS training can be used as a complementary method for rehabilitation of elderly.