LUDOTERAPIA PARA MEJORAR MARCHA Y EQUILIBRIO EN LOS ADULTOS MAYORES DE LA PARROQUIA PASA

Abstract

The deterioration of the functional capacity, the alteration in gait and balance are the main factors that can generate risk of falls in the elderly, as well as alter their independence to perform activities of daily living, the play therapy has a traditional and fun approach to motivate the elderly to perform physical activity and through this to train gait and balanc e . Twenty-five older adults with an age range from 65 years old belonging to the Parroqui a Pasa participated in this research project, with a duration of 6 weeks with a frequency of 2 times per week, the participants executed the designed protocol of play therapy. Older adults were assessed pre and post intervention using the Timed Up and Go and Timed Unipodal Station tests. The approach of this research is quantitative in terms of data collection, non-experim ental and longitudinal. SPSS software used for statisti c a l analysis. The repetitions, completion time and difficulty of each game were gradual l y increased. The results obtained indicate that after the application of a play therapy program, gait and balance improved, reducing the risk of falls in the participants. In conclusion, inactiv i t y in the elderly deteriorates their motor functions, including balance and gait, so that the application of play therapy can be part of the routine in the elderly to reduce the risk of falls and future injuries.