Vol. 7, Issue 10, Part C (2021)

Background: The prevalence of balance and gait deficits increases with age and is associated with the increased incidence of falls seen in the elderly population. Elderly people may suffer from the multiple health disorders due to the vulnerability for many physical and mental disturbances. Quality of life in elderly population can be affected by many environmental factors. As there are researches on Nordic walking (NW) and Retro walking (RW) improving balance in elderly population. Hence, this study compares effects of 4 weeks of Nordic walking (NW) and Retro walking (RW) in balance and quality of life in community dwelling elderly population.

Aim: To compare the effects of 4 weeks of Nordic walking and Retro walking on balance and quality of life in community dwelling elderly.

Objective: To find out the effect of Nordic walking training and Retro walking training on balance and quality of life in community dwelling elderly. Then to compare the effects of both the trainings to see which one will be more effective.

Methodology: A total number of 6 individuals (n=6), both males (4) and females (2), participated in this study. The participants were divided into two groups i. e. Group A (Nordic walking) and Group B (Retro walking). Its effects were assessed using Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and SF-36 Questionnaire as an outcome measure. Pre-intervention measures were taken. Group A done Nordic walking training while Group B done Retro walking training for 30 minutes for 4 weeks, 3 times a week. Post-intervention measures were taken.

Results: The results were given after performing Paired t-test in difference between pre and post values of BBS and SF-36 Questionnaire in both the groups. Group A and Group B showed P<0.05 is taken as significant in both balance and quality of life. Then inter group analysis was done using Unpaired t-test in which it showed P value-0.0031 for Berg Balance Scale which is very significant and for SF-36 Questionnaire P value-0.6072 which is not significant.

Conclusion: Nordic walking and Retro walking both the techniques were effective in improving balance and quality of life in community dwelling elderly, while Nordic walking was more effective in improving balance than Retro walking.