METHODOLOGICAL VARIETY IN SENSORY-MOTOR INTERVENTIONS FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF FALLS IN THE ELDERLY

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Resumo

Objectives: To analyze the diversity of sensorimotor exercises related to the methodology and results for reducing the risk of falling in the elderly, as well as to help guide new studies related to the theme in view of what is already being done. Methods: Researches were conducted in three databases: PubMed, Scielo and PEDro, using the following descriptors: elderly population, risk of falls, proprioception and sensoriomotor exercises. The inclusion criteria were considered randomized studies published from 2012 on in the languages: English and Portuguese associated with intervention groups. In the exclusion criteria, studies with pre-determined pathologies that did not have the free full text on the Internet were excluded. Results: In the 15 selected articles, 40% of the studies evaluated data between 30 and 50 participants; 27% opted for an intervention period between 12-14 weeks and only 1 study performed follow-up. High frequency proprioceptive training showed significant results with p <0.001. Interventions with activities related to games and Tai Chi expressed greater satisfaction with the treatment. Conclusion: Despite verifying complexity in a methodological uniformity, one can observe the great importance of sensoriomotor training as an intervention, as well as the scientific interest in seeking other Techniques that potentialize the outcomes, innovation and development of the area. Keywords: elderly populations; risk of the falls; proprioception; sensory exercises.