Jurnal Empathy Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat
Jurnal Empathy Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Volume 7 Number 1 Year 2026

Improving Balance in Older Adults Through Gaze Stability Exercise: A Community-Based Physiotherapy Program

Widiarti, Afrianti Wahyu (Unknown)
Ghufroni, Afif (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 May 2026

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.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jurnalempathy

Publisher

Subject

Education Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

The aim of this journal publication is to disseminate the conceptual thoughts or ideas and research results that have been achieved in the area of community services. Jurnal Empathy, particularly focuses on the main problems in the development of the sciences of community services areas as follows: ...