Profiling demographic characteristics and balance performance measure of community-dwelling older adults participating in a randomized Arnis-based exercise program

Introduction: This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and baseline balance-related outcomes of community-dwelling adults who are eligible to participate in a pilot randomized controlled study involving Arnis. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study convenience sampled participants from Binangonan, Rizal. Participants were randomly allocated to either the control or Arnis group. Demographic characteristics were obtained using questionnaire. Baseline measurements for balance (using the Berg Balance Scale and Timed-Up and Go Test), concern for falling (using Falls Efficacy 20 Scale-International Filipino), and lower limb strength (using 30-second Chair-Stand Test) were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic data. MannWhitney U Test was used to compare the baseline characteristics of the two groups. An α < 0.05 was set as the significance threshold. Results: Forty-one community-dwelling older adults were screened, but only 20 were eligible and consented to participate. Six withdrew before baseline measurements. A total of 14 participants (mean age = 65 ± 5.26 years, range = 60-78) were included in the final analysis. There are no statistical differences between the two groups on their demographic characteristics and baseline measures (p >0.05). Discussion: The two groups are similar at baseline, which indicates a decreased risk of treatment comparison bias in a randomized controlled trial study.