Administration of an Exercise Regimen in Assisted-Living Facilities to Improve Balance and Activities of Daily Living

Purpose: This pilot study examined the effects of an exercise program on functional balance and activities of daily living (ADLs) of residents in assisted-living facilities. Materials and methods: Thirty-four subjects participated in the initial evaluation, but only 13 subjects participated in the study. All participants completed the ADL questionnaires (Functional Assessment Screening Questionnaire [FASQ] and the Katz Index of ADL), but only 10 completed the 8-week exercise program and balance assessment (Berg Balance Scale [BBS]). Results: Significant differences were observed between the pre- and postmeasurements for BBS ( p = .008) and FASQ ( p = .023) but not for the Katz Index of ADL ( p = .066). This suggests that strengthening exercises can be beneficial in improving functional balance and ADLs. Conclusion: Further research with a larger sample size is needed to evaluate the impact of lower extremity strengthening exercises on balance and ADL preservation for elders in long-term care facilities.