Effects of Resistance- and Flexibility-Exercise Interventions on Balance and Related Measures in Older Adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 444-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Louise Bird ◽  
Keith Hill ◽  
Madeleine Ball ◽  
Andrew D. Williams

This research explored the balance benefits to untrained older adults of participating in community-based resistance and flexibility programs. In a blinded randomized crossover trial, 32 older adults (M = 66.9 yr) participated in a resistance-exercise program and a flexibility-exercise program for 16 weeks each. Sway velocity and mediolateral sway range were recorded. Timed up-and-go, 10 times sit-to-stand, and step test were also assessed, and lower limb strength was measured. Significant improvements in sway velocity, as well as timed up-and-go, 10 times sit-to-stand, and step test, were seen with both interventions, with no significant differences between the 2 groups. Resistance training resulted in significant increases in strength that were not evident in the flexibility intervention. Balance performance was significantly improved after both resistance training and standing flexibility training; however, further investigation is required to determine the mechanisms responsible for the improvement.

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-84
Author(s):  
Nathan F. Johnson ◽  
Chloe Hutchinson ◽  
Kaitlyn Hargett ◽  
Kyle Kosik ◽  
Phillip Gribble

Context: Falls and loss of autonomy are often attributed in large part to musculoskeletal impairments in later adulthood. Age-related declines in flexibility contribute to late adulthood musculoskeletal impairment. The novel sitting-rising test has been proposed to be a quick, effective screening of musculoskeletal fitness, fall risk, and all-cause mortality in older adults. The timed up and go and 5 times sit-to-stand tests are two of the 3 most evidence-supported performance measures to assess fall risk. Objective: This study aimed to determine if 5 weeks of flexibility training could increase sitting-rising test, timed up and go, and 5 times sit-to-stand scores in community-dwelling older adults. Participants: Forty-seven adults aged 60 years and older (mean age = 66.7 y, SD = 4.1) participated in this study. Participants completed a static stretching protocol consisting of 3 weekly 1-hour stretching sessions. Results: The protocol improved flexibility as seen in sit-and-reach scores and improved scores on all outcome variables. Specifically, there was a significant increase in sitting-rising test scores from preintervention (M = 7.45, SD = 1.45) to postintervention (M = 8.04, SD = 1.36), t(42) = −5.21, P < .001. Timed up and go scores demonstrated a significant decrease from preintervention (M = 8.85, SD = 1.32) to postintervention (M = 8.20, SD = 1.35), t(46) = 5.10, P < .001. Five times sit-to-stand scores demonstrated a significant decrease from preintervention (M = 12.57, SD = 2.68) to postintervention (M = 10.46, SD = 2.06), t(46) = 6.62, P < .001. Finally, significant increases in sit-and-reach scores were associated with improved functional performance (r = −.308, P = .03). Conclusion: Findings suggest that flexibility training can be an effective mode of low-level exercise to improve functional outcomes. Static stretching may help to improve musculoskeletal health, promote autonomy, and decrease mortality in community-dwelling older adults.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3653
Author(s):  
Jason Tallis ◽  
Chelsea Bradford ◽  
Michael J. Duncan ◽  
Sheila Leddington-Wright ◽  
Matthew F. Higgins ◽  
...  

The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of 3 mg·kg−1 caffeine consumption on the standing and dynamic balance performance of older adults and sought to establish if caffeine ingestion can modulate the influence of a cognitive dual task on balance performance. Twelve apparently healthy participants (8 females) aged >65 years (72 ± 3.7 years) completed the study. Bipedal postural sway, four square step test, timed up and go, Y-balance (anterior reach only) and force-time characteristics of sit-to-stand performance were used to assess standing and dynamic balance. Attention and working memory were assessed using a serial 3s and 7s subtraction task during seated rest and completion of the bipedal standing assessment and Y-balance test. This battery of assessments was completed on two separate occasions, once following the consumption of a non-ergogenic placebo and again following the consumption of 3 mg·kg−1 caffeine. The administration of treatments was randomised, counterbalanced and double-blind. Caffeine reduced performance in the bipedal standing balance assessments, evidenced by an increase in COPML, COPPath, COPVelocity. Performance during the dynamic balance tests was unaffected, other than rate of force development during the sit-to-stand, which was improved following caffeine ingestion. The introduction of a cognitive dual task had either limited effects, or improved facets of bipedal standing balance, whilst performance during the dynamic balance task was significantly reduced. In both balance assessments, there was evidence for a reduction in the performance of the cognitive task when both the balance and cognitive tests were performed simultaneously, with this effect not modulated by caffeine consumption. These findings refute the idea that caffeine ingestion may have positive effects on balance performance. However, despite a caffeine-induced reduction in bipedal standing balance, it is unlikely that caffeine ingestion would exacerbate fall risk given the limited effects in the dynamic balance tests. Future work should establish if these effects are generalisable to older frail participants and if caffeine can modulate the detrimental effects of an acute exercise bout on balance performance.


Author(s):  
Carlos Rodriguez-Lopez ◽  
Julian Alcazar ◽  
Jose Losa-Reyna ◽  
JuanManuel Carmona-Torres ◽  
Aurora Maria Cruz-Santaella ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study investigated the acute responses to volume-load-matched heavy-load (80% 1RM) versus light-load (40% 1RM) power-oriented resistance training sessions in well-functioning older adults. Using a randomized cross-over design, 15 volunteers completed each condition on a leg press. Neuromuscular (maximal isometric force and rate of force development) and functional performance (power during sit-to-stand test), lactate, and muscle damage biochemistry (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein serum concentration) were assessed pre- and post-exercise. Performance declines were found after heavy-load (Cohen’s d effect size (d); maximal isometric force=0.95 d; rate of force development=1.17 d; sit-to-stand power =0.38 d, all p<0.05) and light-load (maximal isometric force=0.45 d; rate of force development=0.9 d; sit-to-stand power=1.17 d, all p<0.05), while lactate concentration increased only after light-load (1.7 d, p=0.001). However, no differences were found between conditions (all p>0.05). Both conditions increased creatine kinase the day after exercise (marginal effect=0.75 d, p<0.001), but no other blood markers increased (all, p>0.05). Irrespective of the load used, power training induced non-clinically significant decreases in sit-to-stand performance, moderate declines in maximal isometric force, but pronounced decreases in the rate of force development. Furthermore, the metabolic stress and muscle damage were minor; both sessions were generally well tolerated by well-functioning older adults without previous experience in resistance training.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
P. Sharma ◽  
S. Parveen ◽  
S. Masood ◽  
M.M. Noohu

The study investigated the association of orthostatic hypotension (OH) with functional position change and balance in older adults with hypertension. The presence of OH was assessed with intermittent (OH intermittent) and continuous blood pressure (OH continuous) monitoring. The change in functional position was tested with sitting to standing assessment, balance performance using activity specific balance confidence scale (ABC), and timed up and go test (TUG). Testing unilateral and bilateral standing with and without altered sensory inputs was tested using the Humac balance system. ABC, TUG, and standing up time showed no significant association with OH intermittent and OH continuous. A significant association was found between bilateral standing with eyes closed on foam surface for overall stability index and OH intermittent. Older people with hypertension may be routinely examined for OH and appropriate intervention strategies should be included for comprehensive care.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Špela Bogataj ◽  
Maja Pajek ◽  
Jernej Pajek ◽  
Jadranka Buturović Ponikvar ◽  
Armin H. Paravlic

There is a lack of agreement on the efficacy of different exercise interventions in hemodialysis patients. We analyzed which exercise type is the most beneficial in terms of functional fitness and inflammation. A literature search of seven databases yielded 33 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Compared with an inactive control, the intervention group showed moderate effects (ES = 0.74; 95% CI 0.35 to 1.14; p < 0.001; and ES = 0.70; 95% CI 0.39 to 1.01; p < 0.001; respectively) on functional capacity (six-minute walk test) and oxygen consumption. Small nonsignificant effects were observed for aerobic (ES = −0.36; 95% CI −0.85 to 0.13; p = 0.154) and resistance (ES = −0.44; 95% CI −1.07 to 0.19; p = 0.169) training types, whereas moderate effects were found for combined (ES = −0.69; 95% CI −1.47 to 0.10; p = 0.088) training type based on a 10-repetition sit-to-stand test. Further, large and small effects were observed for aerobic (ES = −1.21; 95% CI −1.94 to −0.49; p = 0.001) and resistance training (ES = −0.54; 95% CI −0.90 to −0.17; p = 0.004) types on C-reactive protein. Overall, the results showed the numerically largest effect sizes for combined types compared to solely aerobic or resistance training types, with the differences between training types not reaching statistical significance. There was a significant modifying impact of age, training frequency, and session duration on performance and inflammatory outcomes.


Author(s):  
Hamid Allahverdipour ◽  
Iman Dianat ◽  
Galavizh Mameh ◽  
Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi

Objective The aim of this study is to examine the effects of cognitive and physical loads on dynamic and static balance performance of healthy older adults under single-, dual-, and multi-task conditions. Background Previous studies on postural control in older adults have generally used dual-task methodology, whereas less attention has been paid to multi-task performance, despite its importance in many daily and occupational activities. Method The effects of single versus combined (dual-task and multi-task) cognitive (to speak out the name of the weekdays in a reverse order) and physical (with three levels including handling weights of 1, 2, and 3 kg in each hand) loads on dynamic and static balance performance of 42 older adults (21 males and 21 females) aged ≥60 years were examined. Dynamic and static balance measures were evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and stabilometer (sway index) tests, respectively. Results The TUG speed of female participants was generally slower than that of male participants. Age had no effect on balance performance measures. Under dual-task conditions, cognitive load decreased the dynamic balance performance, while the physical task levels had no effect. The dual-task conditions had no impact on the static balance performance. The effects of cognitive and physical loads on dynamic balance performance varied under dual- and multi-task conditions. Conclusion The findings highlight differences between dual- and multi-task protocols and add to the understanding of balance performance in older adults under cognitive and physical loads. Application The present study highlights differences between dual- and multi-task methodologies that need to be considered in future studies of balance and control in older adults.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv13-iv17
Author(s):  
Azianah Ibrahim ◽  
Nur Aimuni Abu Hassan ◽  
Halizahanim Hassan

Abstract Introduction It is important to identify older adult fallers in order to implement early prevention management also prevent recurrent falls. This study aimed to explore the profiles of older adult fallers and non-fallers in regards to socio-demographic, physical performance, fear of falls that includes the activities that were feared in regard to falls. Analysis Descriptive and mean comparison test. Methodology Participants for this study were recruited among individuals aged 60 years and above, able to walk 3m, able to stand independently for longer than 1min and able to comprehend and follow instructions. Exclusion criteria include recent vertebral or lower limb fracture (less than 6months), unstable angina, unable to follow command and severe hearing and vision impairment. Design: Cross-sectional study. Results A number of 27 older adults were screened for falls. Based on Timed Up and Go test (cut off 11.18s), 8 (29.6%) of them were identified as fallers. Fallers were majority females (10, 37%), had visual impairment (4,14.8%), older (77.4±2.9years versus 68.4±5.7years) and had slightly higher in fear of falls score (13.2±5.5 versus 12.0±7.0). In view of physical performance, fallers were slower in Timed Up and Go test (13.6±2.4 versus 9.1±1.4), weaker in hand grip strength (14.3±2.5kg versus 21.5±19.3kg) and weaker in sit-to-stand performance (13.3±2.7s versus 10.7±2.7s). Age (p&lt;0.05) and sit-to-stand performance (p&lt;0.05) significantly differed between fallers and non-fallers. Among seven activities assessed using short Falls Efficacy Scale-International, non-fallers were found to have more fear during various activities compared to fallers. Implication Exploration of falls risk profiles in older adults will hopefully allow better understanding and further improvement in developing falls prevention management plans.


2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany E. Shubert ◽  
Matthew Lee Smith ◽  
Luohua Jiang ◽  
Marcia G. Ory

The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is an evidence-based fall prevention program disseminated internationally. Little is known about the implementation or effectiveness of the OEP in the United States. The purposes were to (a) identify characteristics of older adults enrolled in OEP, and (b) examine perceived and actual functional performance changes after participation in 8 weeks of the program. Baseline and 8-week functional and self-report data were collected on 210 older adults from 2013 to 2015. Linear mixed models and general estimating equations logistic regression models adjusted for socio-demographic factors were performed to assess changes. At 8 weeks, scores dramatically improved on self-report and physical performance tests: Timed Up-and-Go ( p < .001), 30-Second Chair Rise ( p < .001), and Four-Stage Balance ( p < .001). Findings support that participation in the U.S. OEP as part of a plan of care can result in significant improvements in objective functional mobility, balance measures, and self-reported ability.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 904-904
Author(s):  
Christina Prevett ◽  
Kevin Moncion ◽  
Stuart Phillips ◽  
Julie Richardson ◽  
Ada Tang

Abstract Mobility disability is the impairment in function that affects the performance of daily tasks due to declines in physical function. Exercise interventions, particular resistance training, may have a positive impact on mobility disability, but the evidence for the effects of resistance training in older adults with mobility disability has not been previously systematically reviewed. This study was a systematic review of evidence related to resistance training on physical function for adults over 65 years of age with mobility disability. Four databases (PEDro, MedLine, Ovid, Web of Science) were searched from inception to February 2, 2021 for randomized controlled trials. Twenty-four articles from 22 studies (3,656 participants) were included in the review. Mean participant age ranged from 63-87 years and exercise interventions ranged from 10 weeks to 12 months in duration. Greater changes in 6-minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance (n=638, p&lt;0.0001; mean difference (MD) 16.1 metres; 95%CI 12.3-19.9), lower extremity strength (n=785, p&lt;0.0001; standard MD 2.01; 95%CI 1.27-2.75) and usual gait speed (n=2,106, p&lt;0.001; MD 0.05 metres/second, 95%CI 0.03-0.07) were seen with resistance training as compared to control. These results were maintained if resistance training was a sole intervention or a component of a multi-component program. Sensitivity analysis based on risk of bias concerns did not change results. This review demonstrates that resistance training improves walking capacity, strength and walking speed in community-dwelling older adults and may facilitate aging in place. Since improvements in strength and gait speed contribute to independence, our results indicate highly beneficial outcomes for older persons.


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