Abstract
BackgroundStrength training as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is effective in counteracting age-related postural impairments in elderly. However, it remains unknown whether training different muscle groups would entail in different adaptations.AimTo evaluate the effect of NMES training on balance function in healthy inactive elderly, targeting paravertebral muscles, in addition to thigh muscles.MethodsEleven healthy elderly were trained with NMES for 8 week allocated to combined training (CT: quadriceps and lumbar paraspinal muscles) or to quadriceps training (QT), after completing lifestyle questionnaire and spine morphology measurements. Functional balance, static stabilometry, and isometric strength tests were assessed before and after the training period.Results and conclusionThe CT group showed a greater improve in static balance control, i.e., reducing the CEA of the CoP displacement from 99 ± 38 to 76 ± 42 mm2 (Cohen’s d = 0.947). Benefits for improving static balance through CT might be due to NMES training, which increases spinal stabilization.
Highlights
Healthy skeletal muscle promotes a broad range of functions, including the maintenance of postural control, mobility, strength, and metabolic functions, which makes it an essential tissue for life [1,2,3]
Mean Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE) total score was 124.90; this result cannot be used to contextualize physical activity levels of our participants, as usually PASE scores are used to stratify on tertiles the participants [46, 47]; our participants reported a PASE score lower than the Italian reference [23] (125 ± 31 and 159 ± 78, respectively)
Compared to the data obtained from ten countries about volunteers aged 65–74 years, the mean PCS of our participants was higher than all the references, while the mean MCS was higher than 3 out of 10 references, including the Italian one [49]
Summary
Healthy skeletal muscle promotes a broad range of functions, including the maintenance of postural control, mobility, strength, and metabolic functions, which makes it an essential tissue for life [1,2,3]. Andrade and colleagues pointed out that the age-related impairment of postural control is mainly due to lower limb strength decline and not due to the changes in sensorial integration [10]. To counteract the fall risk associated with age-related osteo-muscular diseases, in addition to the strengthening of lower limb muscles [15], and knee extensors [16], it has been suggested to targeting trunk and core muscles [17]. Strength training as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is effective in counteracting age-related postural impairments in elderly. It remains unknown whether training different muscle groups would entail in different adaptations. Aim To evaluate the effect of NMES training on balance function in healthy inactive elderly, targeting paravertebral muscles, in addition to thigh muscles. Benefits for improving static balance through CT might be due to NMES training, which increases spinal stabilization
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