Effects of a Comprehensive Intervention Program of Static-Dynamic Balance Training Combined with Reminiscence Therapy on the Level of Healthy Aging Among Older Adults in a Rural Community: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: Healthy aging levels are generally low among rural older adults, yet the effects of combined static-dynamic balance training and reminiscence therapy on this population remain underexplored. This study evaluated the efficacy of a combined static-dynamic balance training and reminiscence therapy (SDBT-RT) program in promoting healthy aging in rural communities, with emphasis on both immediate and sustained outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled trial with two parallel groups included 64 adults >60 years from rural Huzhou, China, randomized to intervention (n=32) and control (n=32) groups. The intervention group received a 12-week SDBT-RT program, conducted twice weekly: 40-minute reminiscence therapy plus 50-minute balance training in odd weeks, and 50-minute balance training alone in even weeks; controls received health education and exercise instruction. Healthy Aging Instrument (HAI), satisfaction, and feasibility (adherence, safety) were assessed at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 1-month follow-up (T2). Data analysis used repeated measures analysis of variance and a simple effect test. RESULTS: The intervention group's total HAI score significantly increased from 111.03 ± 11.36 at baseline to 129.80 ± 11.30 at T1 and 130.63 ± 12.01 at T2 (all P < 0.001). Significant between-group differences were observed in most domains at T1 and T2 (all P < 0.05), except "Being Self-Sufficient and Living Simply" (significant only at T1, P = 0.042) and "Making Merit and Good Deeds" (non-significant). Repeated measures showed significant within-group improvements across all domains in the intervention group (all P < 0.05). The intervention group had high adherence (88.8%), satisfaction (4.96 ± 0.18), and no adverse events. The control group improved only in self-care awareness (P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: SDBT-RT effectively enhances healthy aging in rural older adults with high feasibility and sustained benefits, offering a promising intervention model in resource-limited rural settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300072132.