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The effects of six weeks of balance and strength training on measures of dynamic balance of older adults
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The effects of six weeks of balance and strength training on measures of dynamic balance of older adults

Christopher J. Knerl, Petra B. Schuler, Lemuel W. Taylor, Ludmila M. Cosio-Lima and Karla A. Caillouet
Californian Journal of Health Promotion, Vol.7, pp.111-122
7
2009

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Abstract

This study examined the effects of six weeks of strength training, balance training, and a combination of both on dynamic balance in older adults. Fifty-one seniors (17 males and 34 females) between the ages of 60 and 93 years (73.2 + 7.9 yrs) participated. Four groups, three treatment groups [strength training (ST), balance training (BT), and a group which combined strength and balance training (SAB)] and a control group (Control), were tested on measures of dynamic balance, strength, and flexibility before (pre-test) and after six weeks of exercise training (post-test). Measures of dynamic balance included the 8-Foot-Up and Go Test and the combined score on the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB-Scale). Lower and upper body strength and flexibility were assessed using components of the Senior Fitness Test (chair stand, arm curl, sit and reach, and back scratch test). A repeated measure MANCOV A showed no significant differences between groups for measures of dynamic balance. Repeated measure ANOVA's with Post Hoc comparisons indicated upper body strength and lower body flexibility increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the ST and SAB group while upper body flexibility decreased significantly (p <0.05) in the ST group compared to all other groups. Although all treatment groups exhibited a trend for improvement, results suggest six weeks of exercise training, regardless of type, was not sufficient to elicit significant changes in dynamic balance in the present sample of older adults.

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