Effect Of An Eight-week Functional Training Program On Static Balance In Community-dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Functional training programs have been utilized in a variety of rehabilitation settings with documented success. However, there has been little or no research investigating the efficacy of a functional training program in the improvement of static balance in community-dwelling older adults. PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of an eightweek functional training program METHODS Seventeen community-dwelling older males (mean ± SD, age: 70.7 ± 9.1 years, weight: 85.9 ± 8.8 kg) were randomly assigned to an Exercise (N=11) or Control (N=6) group. The Exercise group participated in an eight week progressive training program including exercises for core stability, balance, and peripheral strength. Subjects were required to attend 16 or more sessions during the eight weeks and averaged 22 ± 3 sessions. Pre and Post static balance measurements were made on an AMTI force platform and included: 15 second tandem balance with eyes open (TO), 15 second tandem balance with eyes closed (TC), 10 second single leg balance with eyes open for right leg down (R) and left leg down (L). The dependent variable measured was total vector displacement of center of pressure (measured in meters). Group comparisons were made using One-Way ANCOVA with Pre-test measurements as covariates. RESULTS Total Vector Displacement showed significant improvement in the Exercise group in the following conditions: Tandem Stance Eyes Open (TO) (2.54 m to 2.16 m), Tandem Stance Eyes Closed (TC) (4.64 m to 3.85 m), and Single Leg Balance on Right (R) (9.90 m to 8.80 m). Single Leg Balance on Left (L) showed no improvement. CONCLUSIONS This functional training program resulted in improvements in several measures of static balance suggesting the effectiveness of gradual progression of open and closed kinetic chain functional training programs in the improvement of balance.