IMPROVEMENT OF BALANCE AFTER 12-WK OF BALANCE TRAINING IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

The use of exercise interventions to improve balance in older adults has recently been drawing increasing attention from scientists and practitioners. PURPOSE To determine the effect of a balance exercise program (BEX) on balance in a group of Japanese older adults. METHODS Static balance (eyes closed standing on one foot [one-leg balance]), and dynamic balance (limits of stability [LOS] while moving one □fs center of gravity in a given direction) were assessed in all participants before and after the intervention. Components of LOS (endpoint excursion [EPE], maximum excursion [MXE], and directional control [DCL] were evaluated in forward, backward, right, and left direction by a computerized balance assessment device. Thirty volunteers were randomly divided into a training group (TR: 5 men and 10 women, 75 ± 3 yr) and a control group (CN, 7 men and 8 women, 75 ± 7 yr). The TR participate d in a 12- wk (2d/wk, 60 min/day) of supervised BEX (10 min of warm-up, 40 min of balance exercises [BX], and 10 min of cool-down). BX was performed while standing on the floor (first 4 wk) and then progressed to standing on foam pads of different compliances. Exercises included placing the feet in various positions and standing on one leg while moving the head, with or without the eyes open. The CN continued their normal daily physical activity. RESULTS After 12-wk of training, the TR demonstrated improvements (p < 0.05) in one-leg balance (72%); EPE backward (67%), right (27%), and left (32%); MXE backward (61%), right (24%), and left (17%); DCL backward (54%), right (16%), and left (17%). No significant changes were noted in LOS components in forward direction in TR, and in any of the measured variables in CN after the 12-week period. CONCLUSION These results indicate that balance training is effective in improving both the static and dynamic balance in older adults. These improvements could reduce their risk of suffering a fall. Supported by JSPS (Japan), Monbusho (Japan), and Hygenic Corporation grants.