Iman Akef Khwailed
Tanzania
Research Article
The Effect of Continuous Heat Wraps on Balance and Gait in the Elderly
Author(s): Jerrold Petrofsky, Michael Laymon and Iman Akef KhwailedJerrold Petrofsky, Michael Laymon and Iman Akef Khwailed
Background: In an ageing geriatric population, tremor and poor balance become more pronounced and can lead to falls. Falls are the leading cause of mortality in this population. Continuous heat wraps have been shown to increase tissue flexibility. It was the purpose of this study to examine the effects of heat on balance and gait in the elderly with impaired mobility.
Subjects: Twenty people with impaired mobility (assessed as a score of more than 4 on the “Stepping On” questionnaire) were tested with a balance platform after using Therma Care continuous heat wraps on their legs and knees for 6 days. Data was collected at day 0 (before heat) and day 7. The average age was 60.3+/-8.3 years. The loss in mobility could not be due to pain killers or other drugs the person was taking that may reduce mobility. Half of the subjects star.. View More»
