A systematic review evaluating the efficacy of treadmill training in geriatric care as an intervention for improving balance and reducing fall risks in elderly population

Background

As the global population of older adults and elderly individuals continues to rise, there is a growing emphasis on innovative approaches to enhance their well-being, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges of aging. The aging population presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges, and by embracing innovative solutions, we can transform the aging experience, prolong vitality, and usher in a new era of longevity and well-being (Rudnicka et al., 2020; Amuthavalli Thiyagarajan et al., 2022; Officer and de la Fuente-Núñez, 2018). Some key areas of innovation in addressing the challenges of aging include genetic therapies and stem cell regeneration, which hold great potential for improving health and function in older adults, potentially reversing age-related declines and promoting a more youthful state (Garay, 2023; Negredo et al., 2020). Additionally, artificial intelligence and wearable technology can be used to monitor and manage health, providing valuable data for healthcare professionals and individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being (Wang and Hsu, 2023; Bohr and Memarzadeh, 2020; Bajwa et al., 2021). Virtual reality technology offers a wealth of opportunities for the aging population, enabling them to engage in stimulating activities, travel to distant places, and socialize with others, regardless of physical limitations, thus promoting mental well-being and combating feelings of isolation and loneliness (Chaze et al., 2022; Lin et al., 2018). Aging in place strategies focus on enhancing the safety and quality of life for older adults in their home environment, allowing them to participate in valued activities and maintain their independence.

One of the most promising areas of development is the field of exercise interventions, notably treadmill training. This approach is gaining traction as a means to counteract the age-related declines in physical function, balance, and mobility that significantly influence the quality of life and independence of older individuals (Brach and VanSwearingen, 2013; VanSwearingen et al., 2011). Treadmill training for the elderly is particularly advantageous because it can be tailored to individual needs and physical capabilities. It offers a safe and controlled environment for exercise, which is crucial for those with diminished balance or mobility. Regular use of the treadmill can lead to improvements in balance and coordination, thereby reducing the risk of falls, a common and serious concern among the elderly (Oddsson et al., 2007). Additionally, treadmill exercises are beneficial for cardiovascular health, helping to keep the heart healthy and potentially reducing the risk of heart-related diseases, which are more common in older age (Chen et al., 2022; Tian and Meng, 2019; Pinckard et al., 2019; Rebelo-Marques et al., 2018). Moreover, engaging in treadmill workouts can help maintain or increase muscle strength and bone density, countering the natural decline that accompanies aging. This type of physical activity is also associated with mental health benefits, including a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are significant issues for many older adults (Izquierdo et al., 2021; Zhu et al., 2023). Another aspect of treadmill training that makes it suitable for older populations is its customizability. Treadmill exercises can be adjusted in terms of speed, incline, and duration to match the individual’s fitness level and physical limitations. This adaptability, combined with the safety features of modern treadmills, like safety rails and emergency stop mechanisms, ensures a safe workout environment.

In addition to physical benefits, treadmill training can also offer social benefits, especially when conducted in group settings such as classes or gym environments. It provides an opportunity for social interaction and engagement, which is important for the mental health and overall well-being of older adults. Furthermore, the integration of technology in modern treadmills, including heart rate monitors and personalized training programs, allows for more tailored and monitored exercise sessions, enhancing both safety and efficacy (Shepherd et al., 2015; Prichard and Tiggemann, 2008). However, it is critical that any exercise regimen, including treadmill training, be developed in consultation with healthcare professionals. This ensures that the exercises are not only beneficial but also safe, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions. A personalized approach ensures that the older adults reap the maximum benefits from their exercise routines without compromising their health. The growing interest in the geriatric population’s health and well-being is evident in the expanding research on treadmill training’s potential benefits for older adults and the elderly (McPhee et al., 2016). This research recognizes the complex interplay of physiological, neuromuscular, and psychological factors unique to this age group. These factors play a crucial role in how older adults respond to various interventions, including exercise (de Souto Barreto et al., 2016; Paterson et al., 2007).

Treadmill training, as a focused research area, has been the subject of numerous studies that span different years, geographical locations, and demographic profiles. These studies are not just limited in scope; they encompass a broad range of objectives and outcomes. One of the key areas of investigation is the impact of treadmill training on postural stability in the elderly. This aspect is crucial because maintaining a good postural balance is fundamental to performing everyday activities and reducing the risk of falls, which are a significant health concern in this age group (Pereira et al., 2020, 2021; Hirjaková et al., 2020).

Another important research focus is the effect of treadmill training on gait patterns (Newell et al., 2012; Almutairi, 2023; van Ooijen et al., 2013; Wnuk et al., 2010). As people age, their walking patterns can change, often becoming slower and less steady. These changes in gait can lead to an increased risk of falls and injuries. Treadmill training can potentially help in modifying these gait patterns, leading to safer and more efficient walking. Additionally, researchers are examining how treadmill training influences the rate of falls among the elderly (van Ooijen et al., 2016). Falls are not only a leading cause of injury in older adults but also contribute to a fear of falling, which can significantly reduce their activity levels and quality of life. By improving balance, strength, and gait through treadmill training, there is a possibility of reducing the incidence of falls, thus enhancing the overall safety and independence of the elderly (Cadore et al., 2013; Marsh et al., 2006). Moreover, the psychological impacts of treadmill training are also a subject of study. Regular physical activity has been associated with improvements in mood, cognitive function, and general mental well-being. For the elderly, these psychological benefits are as important as the physical ones, considering the high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline in this age group (Afifi et al., 2023; Dorfman et al., 2014). The diversity of these research studies reflects the multifaceted nature of aging and the need for a comprehensive approach to health and wellness in the geriatric population. By exploring various outcomes and considering the unique challenges faced by older adults, these studies contribute significantly to our understanding of how best to support the health and well-being of the elderly through targeted interventions like treadmill training.

The focus of this systematic review is to delve deep into the myriad of studies on treadmill training for older adults, aiming to synthesize and consolidate the diverse findings into a coherent understanding. This undertaking recognizes that understanding the mechanisms behind the observed outcomes in these studies is critical for fully realizing the potential benefits of treadmill training for the elderly. Treadmill training, with its unique ability to simultaneously engage both motor and cognitive systems, presents a promising avenue for holistic geriatric care. However, the diversity in research methodologies and outcomes necessitates a careful and comprehensive analysis to identify meaningful patterns and insights. This review, therefore, meticulously examines various aspects of the studies, including intervention protocols, study designs, and outcome measures. The goal is to identify commonalities and trends that transcend individual studies, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of treadmill training’s role in geriatric healthcare.

A crucial aspect of this review is the acknowledgment of the intricate relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in aging. The cognitive benefits of physical exercise, particularly in an aging population, are an area of growing interest. Treadmill training, by demanding both physical and cognitive engagement, could potentially enhance cognitive function alongside physical health, offering dual benefits to the elderly. Furthermore, this review traverses the historical landscape of treadmill training research, encompassing a broad spectrum of studies that have investigated its physiological, psychological, and social impacts. These studies have been conducted over a range of years and across various geographical and demographic contexts, adding to the richness and diversity of the data. By examining these studies, the review aims to unravel not only the direct impacts of treadmill interventions on aspects such as balance, gait, and fall risk but also their broader implications for promoting active aging, sustainable geriatric care, and community engagement.

By providing a comprehensive synthesis of these studies, this systematic review aspires to inform the development of targeted treadmill training interventions that are specifically designed to meet the needs of older adults. These interventions could potentially improve balance, reduce the risk of falls, and promote overall health and well-being in the elderly population. The ultimate goal of this endeavor is to contribute to a more nuanced and holistic approach to geriatric care, one that recognizes and utilizes the multifaceted benefits of treadmill training to enhance the quality of life for older adults and the elderly. The insights gleaned from this review could have significant implications for healthcare providers, policymakers, and caregivers, guiding them in making informed decisions about incorporating treadmill training into comprehensive care plans for the elderly.

In this systematic review, we are setting out to explore several key aspects that are critical to understanding the full scope and impact of treadmill training on older adults. These aspects are designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject, addressing the nuances and complexities inherent in geriatric care and exercise interventions.

Search strategy

Finalizing the search strategy

This meticulous approach to constructing the search strategy aimed to systematically retrieve articles relevant to the systematic review’s objectives. By adapting the strategy for each database’s unique characteristics, it ensured the comprehensive capture of pertinent literature on the effectiveness of treadmill training on balance improvement in the elderly population.

Figure 1. PRISMA flow chart: database search (January 1980 to May 2023).

Results

The modern landscape of healthcare and well-being is undergoing a profound transformation, propelled by the ever-expanding demographic of older adults and elderly individuals. In the pursuit of enhancing their quality of life, sustaining mobility, and mitigating age-related challenges, novel interventions are being explored with vigor. Amid this backdrop, our intention was to embark on a comprehensive exploration, elucidating the multifaceted effects of treadmill training interventions within this burgeoning demographic. The primary impetus behind curating this systematic review was to distill the collective wisdom embedded within a spectrum of studies that have investigated the effects of treadmill training in older adults and the elderly.

The selected studies, spanning from 1997 to 2023, offered an opportunity to traverse the evolutionary journey of research in this domain, and glean insights that could potentially reshape the landscape of geriatric care and rehabilitation. Through an exhaustive synthesis of these studies, our aim was to unravel a mosaic of outcomes that extended beyond the immediate purview of each investigation. The intention was to amalgamate these findings into a cohesive narrative, one that transcended individual studies and illuminated broader patterns. This endeavor sought to underscore the transformative potential of treadmill training in older populations, tapping into its efficacy in restoring balance, fostering motor recovery, enhancing mobility, and ultimately elevating the overall quality of life. This systematic review engenders an in-depth exploration of the myriad effects encompassed by treadmill training interventions within the realm of older adults and elderly individuals. These studies collectively illuminate a multifaceted tapestry of outcomes that hold the potential to reshape mobility, balance, neurological well-being, and overall quality of life in this demographic (Table 1).

This comprehensive exploration doesn’t merely present a mosaic of findings; it endeavors to offer a comprehensive lens through which healthcare practitioners, researchers, and policymakers can perceive the nuanced impact of treadmill interventions. By cataloging the diversity of outcomes across studies, we aimed to provide a roadmap for refining intervention protocols, optimizing parameters, and tailoring approaches to meet the diverse needs of older adults and elderly individuals. The implications of this endeavor extend beyond the realms of academia. The insights gleaned from this systematic review hold the potential to cascade into the broader spectrum of geriatric care and societal sustainability. The sustained mobility and well-being of older individuals directly impact their active engagement in their communities, the reduction of healthcare burdens, and the conservation of resources. In weaving together the threads of these studies, we lay the foundation for a sustainable future, wherein a more comprehensive approach to geriatric well-being can be nurtured.

At the forefront of these investigations lies a profound focus on balance enhancement, a critical factor that directly influences fall prevention and overall functional independence in aging populations. Nørgaard et al. (2023) ingeniously introduced perturbation-based balance training on a treadmill, culminating in a compelling reduction in fall rates among community-dwelling older adults. A confluence of results from Pereira et al. (2020, 2021), Pirouzi et al. (2014), and Targino et al. (2012) further amplifies this narrative, unveiling substantial improvements in postural balance and a significant upswing in the quality of life among institutionalized elderly individuals, further emphasizing the holistic impact of treadmill interventions.

The narrative extends to older individuals grappling with neurological conditions, prominently Parkinson’s disease and hemiparesis. Luna et al. (2020) masterfully unraveled the positive implications of treadmill training on gait patterns in Parkinson’s disease, shedding light on the potential for rehabilitation and functional recovery in this population. This trajectory is mirrored in the investigation by Hesse et al. (1997), which showcased the transformative power of partial body weight-supported treadmill training in hemiparetic patients, cultivating a realm of possibilities for motor recovery. The review embarks on a comparative expedition, juxtaposing treadmill training against alternative interventions. Baek et al. (2021) orchestrated an insightful exploration into dual-task treadmill training versus conventional balance exercises, revealing the nuanced superiority of dual-task treadmill training in the realm of balance enhancement and fall risk mitigation. This illuminates the potential of incorporating cognitive engagement alongside physical training, underscoring the dynamic nature of treadmill interventions (Table 1).

Stevens et al. (2015) courageously ventured into uncharted waters, introducing underwater treadmill training in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries. This groundbreaking approach unveiled an alternative dimension of therapeutic intervention, unveiling the untapped potential of aquatic treadmill training in fostering recovery and enhancing physical function, an especially significant revelation in the context of spinal cord injuries. While this comprehensive synthesis lauds the affirmative outcomes of treadmill training interventions, it also casts a discerning eye on challenges that warrant consideration. Hirjaková et al. (2020) added a layer of complexity by illuminating sensory conflicts introduced by treadmill training, particularly among elderly individuals. This observation augments our understanding of potential downsides and underscores the need for a holistic approach when designing treadmill interventions. The amalgamation of these studies not only underscores the positive outcomes but also emphasizes the exigency for standardized protocols and optimal intervention parameters across diverse populations. Collectively, these studies weave a compelling narrative that posits treadmill training as a transformative catalyst, fostering improvements in postural equilibrium, dynamic gait mechanics, and the overarching quality of life for aging individuals and those navigating intricate neurological trajectories.

Furthermore, the systematic review included a diverse array of studies that explored the effects of treadmill training interventions in older adults and the elderly (Table 1). Shema et al. (2014) delved into the realm of outpatient physical therapy, utilizing a 5-week treadmill training program with virtual reality to enhance gait in individuals with a history of falls, poor mobility, or postural instability. The results indicated notable improvements in gait, mobility, and postural control, showcasing the effectiveness of treadmill training with virtual reality. A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial conducted by Pirouzi et al. (2014) offered insights into the impact of treadmill walking on balance control. The study, involving 30 community dwelling older adults with a Berg Balance Scale score of 36-48, highlighted significant improvements in balance, particularly in quiet standing on firm and foam surfaces, along with a reduction in Center of Pressure (COP) velocity during quiet standing and standing on foam. Furthermore, the study by Targino et al. (2012) delved into the realm of pre-frail elderly individuals through a pilot study. The investigation revealed that dual-task training on a treadmill improved static and dynamic balance, with visual stimulation aiding in short-term balance maintenance. Lastly, Kyeongjin Lee’s study in 2020 focused on the potential of virtual reality gait training (VRGT) with non-motorized treadmill to promote balance and gait among older people who had experienced falls. This randomized clinical trial involving 56 elderly individuals highlighted the effectiveness of VRGT in improving balance and gait ability, with significant enhancements observed in spatiotemporal gait parameters.

Collectively, these studies weave a compelling narrative that posits treadmill training as a transformative catalyst, fostering improvements in postural equilibrium, dynamic gait mechanics, and the overarching quality of life for aging individuals and those navigating intricate neurological trajectories.

Discussion

The burgeoning field of healthcare and well-being, driven by the increasing population of older adults and elderly individuals, is undergoing significant transformation. As efforts intensify to enhance their quality of life, maintain mobility, and address aging-related challenges, treadmill training interventions have emerged as a focal point of interest. This systematic review synthesizes a wide range of studies to distill collective knowledge on the impact of treadmill training on this demographic. Covering research from 1997 to 2023, it offers deep insights that could potentially reshape geriatric care and rehabilitation practices. Treadmill training in geriatric populations has shown transformative potential, particularly in restoring balance, facilitating motor recovery, enhancing mobility, and ultimately elevating overall quality of life. These findings align with previous studies (van Ooijen et al., 2013; Yang et al., 2011; Herman et al., 2007; Hirjaková et al., 2020), which demonstrated improvements in gait and balance among elderly participants following treadmill training. Similarly, Monteiro (2009) observed significant mobility enhancements in their study group. The review methodology involved a comprehensive search across databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on publications between 1997 and 2023. The selected studies had to specifically examine the effects of treadmill training on older adults, with particular emphasis on balance, mobility, and quality of life.

The key findings from this comprehensive review illuminate several critical areas of impact regarding treadmill training for older adults and elderly individuals, each noteworthy in its implications for geriatric care. Firstly, the aspect of balance enhancement has been a significant focus. Studies conducted by Newell, (2012) and Ferhi, Hamza, et al. (2023) have been pivotal in highlighting the role of treadmill training in improving balance. This factor is particularly crucial for preventing falls, a common risk for the elderly, and maintaining functional independence in older populations. The consistent findings across these studies underscore the effectiveness of treadmill training as a practical approach to mitigate one of the most pressing concerns in geriatric health – fall prevention. Secondly, the impact of treadmill training on individuals with neurological conditions has garnered considerable attention. The research delves into the realm of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease and hemiparesis (Bishnoi et al., 2022; Robinson et al., 2019; Almutairi, 2023). Their findings indicate promising prospects for functional recovery in these groups, suggesting that treadmill training could be a valuable tool in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological impairments. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, considering the complexity and the increasing prevalence of neurological conditions among the elderly.

Lastly, the comparative efficacy of treadmill training relative to other interventions stands out as a notable finding. Previous studies provides evidence of the superiority of treadmill training over other rehabilitative strategies, especially in enhancing balance and reducing fall risks (Gaspar and Lapão, 2021; Choi et al., 2017). Moreover, the exploration of innovative approaches like underwater treadmill training for spinal cord injury patients, as investigated by Hammill et al. (2018), sheds light on the potential of unconventional interventions (Dolbow et al., 2016; Hammill et al., 2018). These innovative methods broaden the scope of treadmill training, offering new avenues for rehabilitation that could be particularly beneficial for individuals with unique or more severe mobility challenges.

The review also acknowledged challenges, including sensory conflicts introduced by treadmill training, a concern highlighted in the study by Hirjaková et al. (2020). These findings emphasize the need for holistic and tailored intervention strategies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the amalgamation of these studies paints a vivid tapestry that not only underscores the affirmative outcomes but also accentuates the urgency for standardized protocols and optimal intervention parameters across diverse populations. As we weave these narratives together, a compelling collective narrative emerges, one that envisions treadmill training as a transformative catalyst, fostering advancements in postural equilibrium, dynamic gait mechanics, and the overarching quality of life for aging individuals and those navigating intricate neurological trajectories. The comprehensive synthesis presented here offers a panoramic view of the potential of treadmill interventions in geriatric care, laying the groundwork for a future that champions holistic well-being in older populations.