The Effectiveness of Rebounders on Balance in Older Adults

Abstract

Balance impairment has been shown to be a risk factor for falls among older adults. Typical exercise training programs often include a range of static and dynamic exercises that are designed to train the motor system by altering the task demand. However, in order to train the sensory system, the goal should be to manipulate the environment by performing balance activities either standing or moving on a compliant or moving surface. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of rebounders on balance and postural control in a group of older adults over 16 weeks. METHODS: Thirty-three participants (mean age: 74.1 ± 7.9 yrs) were divided into an experimental (E) group that participated in a rebounder exercise program twice per week, a reference (R) group which consisted of individuals that participated in an evidence-based program emphasizing strength and balance development, and a control (C) group. Each participant completed the Berg Balance Scale and the Mini Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BEST) which differentiates balance into four underlying systems: anticipatory, reactive postural control, sensory orientation, and dynamic gait. A trained and experienced evaluator assessed all participants at baseline and after 16 weeks. A repeated measures ANOVA with one within factor (time) and one between factor (groups) was used to evaluate differences between pre and post and among groups. Significance was established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant (p = 0.38) difference in age among groups. Static balance and postural control increased for the E group after 16 weeks of training, but this increase was not statistically significant (p = 0.52). Reactive postural control was significantly (p < 0.001) different post training for the E group only. Anticipatory, sensory orientation, and dynamic gait balance was not significantly different between pre and post training and among groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results showed that after 16 weeks of training using rebounders, reactive postural control increased in a group of older adults. These results indicate that short, medium and long proprioceptive feedback loops responsible for autonomic postural responses to slips, trips and pushes can be improved with this type of exercise training. Supported by WREMS Grant