Comparison Between Muscle Strength Training Versus Qigong Exercise Training in Older Adults with Balance Impairment

Abstract

In our aging society, balance impairment raises the risk of falls and fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether strength training or qigong protocol is more effective in Enhancing elderly persons' balance and confidence in their physical health. A total number of 60 subjects was randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The first group was instructed to perform strength training whereas in group two, qigong exercises was given. The three outcome measures of Time up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Chair Stand Test (CS30) were used to measure the effectiveness. The groups were compared using independent student’s t test. The study showed more improvement was witnessed in group 1 as compared to group 2 (TUG; G1,T=5.483, p<p0.0001; FRT (T=0.768, P< 0.0001) and GII (T=1.397, p<.0001).) and GII (T=3.209,0.0001) and CS-30 GI (T=5.258, p<0.0001) and GII (T=4.791, P<0.0001). Thus, strength training may be a useful clinical intervention for mitigating balance impairment in the elderly population.