Effectiveness of Balance Training on Firm, Foam, and Dynamic Surfaces in Improving Balance, Functional Mobility, and Fear of Falling Among Geriatric Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Ageing is associated with progressive changes in the sensory, musculoskeletal, and
neuromuscular systems, which often lead to impaired balance, reduced mobility, and an increased risk of
falls. Balance training is widely used in geriatric rehabilitation to improve postural stability and functional
performance. Although exercises on different training surfaces are commonly prescribed, there is limited
evidence comparing their effectiveness in older adults.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of balance training on firm, foam, and dynamic surfaces in
improving balance, functional mobility, and fear of falling among geriatric individuals.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 geriatric participants aged 65–80 years.
Participants were randomly assigned to three groups (20 participants in each group). Group A performed
balance training on a firm surface, Group B on a foam surface, and Group C on a dynamic surface. All
participants underwent supervised balance training for six weeks, three sessions per week, with each
session lasting 30–40 minutes. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), functional
mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and fear of falling using the Falls Efficacy Scale–
International (FES-I). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests for within-group comparisons and one-way
ANOVA for between-group comparisons, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Significant improvements were observed in all three groups following the intervention (p <
0.05). Participants who received balance training on the dynamic surface demonstrated the greatest
improvement in BBS, TUG, and FES-I scores. The foam surface group also showed better outcomes than
the firm surface group, although the magnitude of improvement was comparatively smaller than that
observed with dynamic surface training.
Conclusion: Balance training on firm, foam, and dynamic surfaces was effective in improving balance,
functional mobility, and confidence in older adults. Among the three interventions, dynamic surface
training produced the most favorable outcomes and may be considered an effective approach for
enhancing balance and reducing fall risk in the geriatric population.