Balance and Cognition: Psychomotor Intervention in the Elderly

Abstract

Ageing is a progressive process, and decreased balance and changes in cognitive functions are risk factors for falls and dependence in the elderly. Studies indicate that psychomotor intervention can improve balance and cognition in older adults. The study aimed to evaluate balance and cognitive functions in institutionalised elderly people and verify whether a psychomotor intervention has effects on static and dynamic balance. Held in a senior residence in the northeast of the country, 15 elderly people (average age 86.27 years, 67% women) were evaluated with the Geronto-Psychomotor Examination, Mini-Mental State Examination and Barthel Index before and after four months of intervention. In the first assessment, 60% presented a psychomotor profile below the cut-off level for the age group, 67% had cognitive impairment, and 53.3% had mild dependence. After the intervention, there were no significant changes in static balance, but there was a significant decrease (p=0.015) in dynamic balance. The results indicate maintenance of static balance, and considering the advanced age of the sample, the absence of changes is a satisfactory indicator. The decrease in dynamic balance can be attributed to advanced age. Psychomotor intervention in institutionalised elderly people can help maintain balance, contributing to the prevention of falls.