The EFFECT OF FOOT EXERCISE ON LOWER LIMB STRENGTH AND BALANCE AMONG ELDERLY

Abstract

Introduction: The primary aim of this study was to determine the effects of foot exercise (senam kaki diabetes) on lower limb strength and balance among the elderly.    Methods: A quasi-experimental interrupted time-series design with control group was utilized.  Participants were chosen through purposive sampling technique.  Consequently, 60 participants met the criteria set for the study.  Simple random sampling was used to divide the  participants into experimental and control groups with 30 participants in each group.    Results: Lower limb strength and balance of the participants in the experimental group gradually improved in every week of intervention compared to those  in the control group.  Further, the result shows that age, sex, and body weight did not affect the lower limb strength and balance of the elderly who underwent foot exercise.   Discussion: Based on the findings, foot exercise was effective in improving lower limb strength and balance among the elderly.  The longer the elderly will engage in senam kaki diabetes, irrespective of age sex and body weight, the better is their balance and the strength of their lower limb.