Efficacy of Treadmill Training on Balance and Fall Risks in the Elderly: A Systematic Review."

Background & Purpose: Falls and balance issues are significant concerns for the elderly. Treadmill training is increasingly recognized as a potential intervention to improve balance and reduce fall risk in this population. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of treadmill training on balance in the elderly. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, PEDro, Cochrane Library, and ERIC from January 1, 1980, to January 1, 2025. The search focused on treadmill training’s impact on balance in older adults. From 74 identified studies, primary outcome measure was “Balance Improvement, risk of fall” and secondary were “Cognitive Function and Quality of Life,” and others. Articles were excluded for reasons like irrelevance to treadmill training, language barriers, or duplication, resulting in 16 final studies. Results: Treadmill training demonstrated positive effects on balance and fall risk reduction, particularly in elderly individuals with Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and age-related balance issues. Perturbation-based treadmill training significantly reduced fall rates, while underwater treadmill sessions improved mobility and cognitive function. Conclusion: Treadmill training interventions are promising for improving balance and mobility in the elderly, including those with Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and age-related balance issues. While these interventions show potential, further research is needed to determine optimal protocols, durations, and combinations with other interventions. This could lead to a more comprehensive approach for addressing balance and mobility challenges in the elderly, promoting healthy aging and reducing fall risks.