Afif Ghufroni
Department of Physiotherapy Poltekkes Kemenkes Surakarta, Indonesia

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Physiotherapy Services: Core Stability Exercises are Essential for Reducing Lower Back Pain (LBP) in the Elderly Afif Ghufroni; Jasmine Pertiwi; Yulianto Wahyono
Jurnal Empathy Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Jurnal Empathy Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Volume 6 Number 2 Year 2025
Publisher : Poltekkes Kemenkes Surakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37341/jurnalempathy.v6i2.341

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common health problem among the elderly, often interfering with daily activities and reducing quality of life. Aging affects the spine’s structure and function, increasing the risk of LBP. Non-pharmacological interventions such as core stability exercises have shown potential in reducing pain and improving function. This training program improved the knowledge and skills of both health cadres and older adults, making it a useful non-pharmacological therapy to enhance quality of life. Methods: This community service program was conducted in Tohudan Village, Karanganyar, Central Java, from February to July 2023, involving elderly individuals experiencing LBP and local health cadres. The intervention included educational sessions, training in core stability exercises, and evaluations of participants’ knowledge and skills. The exercises taught included diaphragmatic breathing, raising limbs, bridging, and quadruped positions. The evaluation was conducted through structured qualitative interviews with participants and cadres. Results: The program showed positive outcomes, with increased understanding and skill among health cadres and elderly participants in performing core stability exercises. Interviews with participants and cadres supported these findings—participants reported reduced pain and improved ability to perform daily activities after regular exercise, while cadres felt more confident in guiding others to perform correctly and maintaining programme continuity. Conclusion: Core stability exercise is an effective non-pharmacological intervention to reduce low back pain and improve the quality of life among the elderly. Training community health cadres ensures sustainable impact, enabling continued support for elderly individuals suffering from LBP. Further referrals to health facilities are recommended if symptoms persist.
Improving Balance in Older Adults Through Gaze Stability Exercise: A Community-Based Physiotherapy Program Afrianti Wahyu Widiarti; Afif Ghufroni
Jurnal Empathy Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Jurnal Empathy Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Volume 7 Number 1 Year 2026
Publisher : Poltekkes Kemenkes Surakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37341/jurnalempathy.v7i1.374

Abstract

Background: The elderly population continues to grow with increased life expectancy, but healthcare services remain insufficient. As a result, many older adults face balance disorders and a higher risk of falls, worsened by limited access to physiotherapy. This community service program aims to train elderly people in efforts to improve their knowledge and skills in managing fall risks using gaze stability exercises taught by physiotherapists. Methods: Participants’ understanding of age-related balance problems improved markedly, with correct responses increasing from 18.3% pre-education to 86.7% post-intervention (a 68.4-point improvement). All participants successfully performed the main gaze stability exercises, although some needed assistance with vergencies. They also reported greater confidence during standing and walking and showed strong motivation to continue the exercises independently at home. Results: Participants’ understanding of age-related balance problems improved substantially, with the average level of correct responses increasing from 18.3% before the education session to 86.7% after the intervention, representing an average improvement of 68.4 percentage points. In addition, all participants were able to perform the main gaze stability exercise components correctly, although several required assistances with vergence movements. Participants reported increased confidence during standing and walking activities and expressed strong motivation to continue the exercises independently at home.  Conclusion: Gaze stability exercise education is a feasible and beneficial community-based physiotherapy approach to enhance balance awareness, confidence, and self-management among older adults. The program is recommended for routine implementation in elderly community health services with support from physiotherapists and local health cadres.