Introduction: Intrinsic foot muscle weakness is a crucial cause of balance deficit in the elderly, which leads to a limited range of motion from the fear of falling and subsequently decreases the quality of life. Muscle strengthening via transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is an effective intervention; however, its effects on elderly people have rarely been reported. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of TENS on navicular height, balance, and fear of falling.
Method: In this study, forty-eight participants aged 65-75 years were included and were randomly divided into two groups: the TENS and control groups. Before and after 4 weeks of training, navicular height, balance, and fear of falling were measured.
Result: After 4 weeks of training, navicular height significantly increased in both groups (p < 0.05); however, the increase was higher in the TENS group (p = 0.035). The TENS group had a better improvement in balance in all four directions-front, back, left, and right (p < 0.05). However, postural balance improvements in the control group were observed in three directions only-front, back, and left (p < 0.05)-without any significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, the TENS group decreased the scale of fear of falling after 4 weeks of training (p = 0.039).
Conclusion: In summary, the results of this study can be used as part of the muscle strengthening via ES for decreasing the risk of falls or fear of falling in the elderly.
Keywords: balance; elderly; electrical stimulation; fear of falling; navicular.