The Effects of Balance Training on Falling Risk, Postural Control, Quality of Gait and Muscle Endurance of lower extremities in Sedentary Older Adults

Objective: This study investigated the effects of balance training on risk of fall, postural control, quality of gait and muscle endurance in elderly men. Method: 36 elderly men (age 70.5±9.8 yrs) participated in present study. Their static balance was evaluated by tandem, semi-tandem and Romberg tests. Using Berg questionnaire and Tineti gait score, the falling risk and the quality of gait were evaluated respectively. Using wall Scott test, the endurance of the lower extremities’ muscles was measured. The experimental group underwent eight weeks balance training. Data were analyzed using a two 2×2 mixed model repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (RM-MANOVA) and followed up with univariate tests at the p<0.05 level. Pearson correlation coefficient was also used to determine any possible correlations between the falling risk and dependent variables. Results: After balance training the ability of older men in balance control was significantly improved compared with control group. There was no significant difference in the quality of gait (p=0.68) and muscle endurance (p=0.9). Conclusion: Balance training improved postural control and reduced the risk of fall in the older men. This method is recommended for elderly rehabilitation.

Keywords:

Elderly , Falling Risk , Postural Control , Quality of Gait , Balance Training , Muscle Endurance