Comparative Effect of a Balance Training Program and Core Stabilization Program on Factors Related to the Prevention of Falling in Healthy Middle-Aged Individuals: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study to compare the effectiveness of the balance training program (BTP), and the corestabilization program (CSP), on dynamic balance in healthy middle-aged individuals.Material and Methods: This study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial design. Forty-two healthy middle-aged participants were randomly assigned to the BTP group (n=21), or the CSP group (n=21). Participants in both groups received an intervention program (balance training or core stabilization) 3 times a week, for 60 minutes, over 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the dynamic balance measured by the timed up and go test. The other outcomes were: core muscle endurance, muscle strength of the lower extremities, the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles, and gait variables. The measurements included: the prone bridge endurance test, 5 times sit to stand test, sit and reach test and a wireless movement monitoring inertial sensor system, respectively. All outcomes were measured at baseline, and then after 6 weeks. The data were analyzed by the Independent Sample t-test between groups, and the paired t-test within either group.Results: After 6 weeks, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in either dynamic balance,or other variables, however, a statistically significant difference was found in core muscle endurance (p-value=0.003). In so saying, the BTP group, statistically significant improvements were found only in core muscle endurance, the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles, and gait variables from pre- to post-test. Moreover, in the CSP group, there was a statistically significant difference from pre- to post-test in all measured outcomes. Conclusion: The Core stabilization program is not superior to a balance training program, for the improvement of dynamic balance. Although, after 6 weeks of training, the study found that the Core stabilization program was effective for improving dynamic balance. This finding may point out that the Core stabilization program helps improve balance in a middle-aged person