Effect of Acupressure on Dynamic Balance in Elderly Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Balance disorders are common in the elderly and are a major cause of falls. This study aimed to determine the effect of acupressure on dynamic balance in elderly women. Methods This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 72 elderly women in Qazvin, Iran. The intervention group received rotary massage using the thumb at the pressure points for 4 weeks, 3 times a week for 20 minutes each session. Dynamic balance in both groups was measured before, 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention using timed up and go test and the step test. Data were analyzed using two way repeated measures ANOVA. Results The mean age of participants was 67.34 +/- 6.30 with a range of 60 to 80 years old. The results showed statistically significant improvement in the dynamic balance quantified by timed up and go test (%Delta = 26.53) and step test for the right (%Delta = 35.22) and left (Delta% = 32.62) legs (p< .001). However, in the control group, no significant change was observed in the dynamic balance after completion of the program. Conclusion The results support that acupressure therapy can be an effective, safe, and inexpensive method to improve the dynamic balance and maintain maximum autonomy of the elderly.