Comparative effects of weight bearing exercises on mini trampoline and multisensory exercises on balance, proprioception and fatigue among geriatrics: a pilot study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31117/neuroscirn.v9i2.546Keywords:
aging, fatigue, health, postural control, quality of lifeAbstract
Age-related decline in balance, proprioception, and increased fatigue contribute to functional limitations and fall risk in older adults. Exercise-based interventions targeting sensory integration are commonly used; however, comparative evidence between different approaches remains limited. This randomised pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of weight-bearing exercises on a mini trampoline and multisensory exercises in the geriatric population. Thirty participants aged ≥65 years were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (weight-bearing exercises on mini trampoline, n=15) and Group B (multisensory exercises, n=15). Both groups underwent supervised interventions for 4 weeks (5 sessions/week). Primary outcomes included functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test), proprioception (joint position error), and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale). Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, adherence, and safety. Nonparametric analyses were performed, and effect sizes (r) with 95% confidence intervals were reported. Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements across all outcomes, with large effect sizes (r=0.81–0.91). Between-group comparisons showed moderate-to-large effect sizes favouring the weight-bearing exercises on the mini trampoline group (r=0.75–0.86). Feasibility outcomes were favourable, with an 88% recruitment rate, 100% adherence, and no adverse events reported. This pilot study suggests that both interventions are feasible and may improve balance, proprioception, and fatigue in older adults. While trends indicate greater improvements with weight-bearing exercises on a mini trampoline, these findings are preliminary and should not be interpreted as evidence of clinical superiority. Larger, adequately powered trials are required to confirm these observations and determine long-term effectiveness.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Harika Valluri, Prathap Suganthirababu, Vignesh srinivasan, Jayasree Sai L , Hamzeh Jamil Awad
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