THE EFFECT OF 12 WEEKS OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING AND DIFFERENT PERIODS OF DETRAINING ON DYNAMIC BALANCE IN ELDERLY MEN

Abstract

Aging causes changes in the function of those physiological systems involved in body balance which is accompanied by imbalance. Therefore, it is important to perform training which leads to maintenance and improvement of balance. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 12 weeks of functional training and different periods of detraining on neuromuscular performance and dynamic balance in healthy elderly men. 30 elderly men (mean age: 71±3.22 yr, height: 168±7.2 cm and weight: 66.8±6.6 kg) voluntarily participated in this study and randomly divided into experimental and control groups after they achieved a proper score in Berg balance scale. Experimental group performed functional training (12 weeks, 3 sessions per week and 75 minutes per session) and control group continued their daily activities. Before and after 12 weeks of training and after four, six and eight weeks of detraining, time up and go (TUG) test was conducted to assess dynamic balance. Analysis of variance with repeated measures and one-way ANOVA showed that neuromuscular performance significantly improved in functional training group after the training (P≤0.05). Also, there was a significant difference between the posttest and six and eight weeks of detraining in this group (P≤0.05). The results showed that functional training had a significant effect on neuromuscular performance in elderly men through focusing on reinforcement of strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. Also, the obtained adaptabilities persisted after four weeks of detraining. Therefore, this new low-cost model of training which improves and maintains efficiency can be useful for the elderlies.