| Effectiveness of Frenkle´s exercises for balance and coordination : A systematic review of randomized controlled trials |
| Paper ID : 1007-ISCSR3 |
| Authors |
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Ahmed Samir *1, Farah Ahmed Elzanaty2, Arwa Rifaat Mutawali1, Hagar Ibrahim1, Ahmed Saad3, Esraa Mohamed Mosaid4 1Faculty of Physical Therapy , Cairo University 2Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University 3Fauclty of Physical Therapy , Cairo University 4Faculty of Physical Therapy , Misr University for Science and Technology |
| Abstract |
| Abstract Background Frenkel’s exercises, designed by Heinrich Frenkel, consist of repetitive, precise movements intended to restore rhythmic, smooth, and coordinated motor function. These exercises can be performed in a semi-lying position, which may reduce the risk of falls compared to other forms of exercise. However, current evidence regarding their efficacy for enhancing balance and coordination among elderly and neurologically impaired individuals is limited. Additionally, uncertainty exists regarding the optimal exercise parameters. Objective This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of Frenkel’s exercises on improvements in balance and coordination outcomes, particularly in elderly and neurologically impaired patients. Methods Data sources included the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, PEDro, and Scopus databases from inception to May 2024 as well as the reference lists of the included articles, citations, and registers. Eligibility criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published or unpublished, in English that examined the effects of Frenkel’s exercises in elderly and neurologically impaired patients. Our critical outcomes were balance and coordination. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data, assessed trial quality (RoB2), and evaluated the certainty of evidence for key outcomes via GRADE. Results This systematic review of six RCTs (383 participants) revealed that Frenkel’s exercises significantly improved balance compared to controls. However, considerable variability in exercise parameters (session times ranging from 10 to 60 min and total session durations ranging from 2:15 to 36 h) and outcome measures was noted. Coordination outcomes showed no significant differences, and concerns regarding bias were prevalent in all included studies. Conclusion There is low-certainty evidence that Frenkel’s exercises improve balance in elderly and neurologically impaired populations, but they may be less effective than other interventions. Further high-quality research is needed to establish the optimal training parameters and effectiveness of Frenkel’s exercises for balance and coordination improvements. |
| Keywords |
| Sensorimotor Training , Motor Learning , Neurological Disorders , Evidence-Based Practice |
| Status: Abstract Accepted |