Abstract
The purpose of this quantitative research study was to compare the effectiveness of two treatment approaches based on outcome measures obtained by the Berg Balance score and the ABC scale. Five patients were randomly assigned either to the traditional balance exercise or the Biodex Balance exercise approach. The Berg Balance Score and the Activities of Specific Balance Confidence Scale were administered at initial exam and following a four week treatment program. Results revealed there was a difference in risk of falls as measured by the pre test and post test among the individual patients. The traditional balance exercises are more effective in decreasing risk of falls compared to the Biodex Balance System. Variables of secondary interest were the correlation between fear of falling and the subject's balance ability. The results demonstrated there is a direct correlation between the subject's fear of falling and his balance ability. These results do not find the Biodex more effective than the traditional balance exercises in decreasing risk of falls. Future findings with statistical significance may assist therapists to choose the most effective treatment intervention and ultimately achieve the best outcomes for their patients.