GRFS, Therapy

Galileo Research Facts No. 170: Can Galileo Therapy increase balance and muscle function also in frail elderly?

Galileo Research Facts No. 170: Can Galileo Therapy increase balance and muscle function also in frail elderly?

This study investigated the effects of Galileo Therapy on muscle function and balance in frail elderly (age: 74-90). Three different groups where compared: a control group without any intervention, the Galileo group and a simulation group receiving identical exercises as the Galileo group but without vibration. The Galileo group received over a period of 16 weeks, 3 times per week, 5 to 10 times 1 minute Galileo Therapy with 1 minute breaks (20° slight squat, position 1-2, 26Hz).

The results showed only for the Galileo Group a significant increase in the tested muscle function parameters like +6% walking distance (10 minutes walking test, 10mWT), +7% performance in the timed up and go test (TUG) and +14% in tandem walk test (dynamic balance). Considering that all parameters significantly decreased at least the same or even multiples of this amount in both control groups – which means that in the observation period both control groups massively lost muscle function – this shows how effective Galileo Therapy can be used especially also in the frail elderly.

These results are in line with other Galileo studies for example targeting improving bone mass (#GRFS48, #GRFS156, #GRFS76), muscle power/performance (#GRFS26, #GRFS55), decrease fall risk (#GRFS53) or balance & gate parameter (#GRFS49). ). All these studies showed the effectiveness and at the same time the safety of Galileo Therapy especially in the elderly – after all that was the original age-group the Galileo inventor Hans Schießl developed the Galileo in 1996.

#GRFS170 #GalileoResearchFacts #GalileoTherapy #MechanoStimulation #Balance #MuscleFunction #Gate #Frailty #Elderly #TUG #CRT #10MWT #Sarkopenia #Geriatrics #Osteoporosis