scholarly journals Effects of a Supervised versus an Unsupervised Combined Balance and Strength Training Program on Balance and Muscle Power in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Gerontology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Lacroix ◽  
Reto W. Kressig ◽  
Thomas Muehlbauer ◽  
Yves J. Gschwind ◽  
Barbara Pfenninger ◽  
...  

Background: Losses in lower extremity muscle strength/power, muscle mass and deficits in static and particularly dynamic balance due to aging are associated with impaired functional performance and an increased fall risk. It has been shown that the combination of balance and strength training (BST) mitigates these age-related deficits. However, it is unresolved whether supervised versus unsupervised BST is equally effective in improving muscle power and balance in older adults. Objective: This study examined the impact of a 12-week BST program followed by 12 weeks of detraining on measures of balance and muscle power in healthy older adults enrolled in supervised (SUP) or unsupervised (UNSUP) training. Methods: Sixty-six older adults (men: 25, women: 41; age 73 ± 4 years) were randomly assigned to a SUP group (2/week supervised training, 1/week unsupervised training; n = 22), an UNSUP group (3/week unsupervised training; n = 22) or a passive control group (CON; n = 22). Static (i.e., Romberg Test) and dynamic (i.e., 10-meter walk test) steady-state, proactive (i.e., Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test), and reactive balance (e.g., Push and Release Test), as well as lower extremity muscle power (i.e., Chair Stand Test; Stair Ascent and Descent Test) were tested before and after the active training phase as well as after detraining. Results: Adherence rates to training were 92% for SUP and 97% for UNSUP. BST resulted in significant group × time interactions. Post hoc analyses showed, among others, significant training-related improvements for the Romberg Test, stride velocity, Timed Up and Go Test, and Chair Stand Test in favor of the SUP group. Following detraining, significantly enhanced performances (compared to baseline) were still present in 13 variables for the SUP group and in 10 variables for the UNSUP group. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of BST proved to be safe (no training-related injuries) and feasible (high attendance rates of >90%). Deficits of balance and lower extremity muscle power can be mitigated by BST in healthy older adults. Additionally, supervised as compared to unsupervised BST was more effective. Thus, it is recommended to counteract intrinsic fall risk factors by applying supervised BST programs for older adults.

Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Collado-Mateo ◽  
Pedro Madeira ◽  
Francisco J. Dominguez-Muñoz ◽  
Santos Villafaina ◽  
Pablo Tomas-Carus ◽  
...  

Background: Simple field tests such as the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and 30 s Chair Stand test are commonly used to evaluate physical function in the elderly, providing crude outcome measures. Using an automatic chronometer, it is possible to obtain additional kinematic parameters that may lead to obtaining extra information and drawing further conclusions. However, there is a lack of studies that evaluate the test-retest reliability of these parameters, which may help to judge and interpret changes caused by an intervention or differences between populations. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and 30 s Chair Stand test in healthy older adults. Methods: A total of 99 healthy older adults participated in this cross-sectional study. The TUG and the 30 s Chair Stand test were performed five times and twice, respectively, using an automatic chronometer. The sit-to-stand-to-sit cycle from the 30 s Chair Stand test was divided into two phases. Results: Overall, reliability for the 30 s Chair Stand test was good for almost each variable (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) >0.70). Furthermore, the use of an automatic chronometer improved the reliability for the TUG (ICC >0.86 for a manual chronometer and ICC >0.88 for an automatic chronometer). Conclusions: The TUG and the 30 s Chair Stand test are reliable in older adults. The use of an automatic chronometer in the TUG is strongly recommended as it increased the reliability of the test. This device enables researchers to obtain relevant and reliable data from the 30 s Chair Stand test, such as the duration of the sit-to-stand-to-sit cycles and phases.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv28-iv33
Author(s):  
Tagashira Satoshi ◽  
Takashima Atsushi ◽  
Shintani Takeshi

Abstract Background Fall prevention in older adults is an important task. Lower extremity function is a main focus in fall prevention. There are few previous studies focusing on core stability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between fall risk and core stability. Methods The study participants were 33 community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 65±17 years old; 5 men, 28 women). The fall risk was assessed using the Fall Risk Index-21 (FRI-21). Core stability measured the retention time of Side Bridge (SB) and Front Bridge (FB). Secondary outcome measures included lower extremity muscle strength (knee extension, hip abduction) and physical function (two-step test). Statistical analysis investigated the correlation between the measurement items. Results We found a significant negative correlation between FRI-21 and SB (r = -0.51, p<0.01) and FRI-21 and FB (r = -0.47, p<0.01). We also found a correlation between FRI-21 and the two-step test (r = -0.40, p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between FRI-21 and lower extremity muscle strength. Discussion FRI and Core stability showed moderate correlation. It suggests that the core and hip muscle functions involved in posture retention are involved with fall. Conclusion The risk of falls in older adults was related to core stability. If the core stability of older adults improves, it may help to reduce the risk of falling. Therefore, it is useful to consider core stability in the assessment of fall risk.


2020 ◽  
pp. 721-730
Author(s):  
N Toosizadeh ◽  
G Wahlert ◽  
M Fain ◽  
J Mohler

Effects of localized lower-extremity vibration on postural balance have been reported. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of low-frequency vibration of calf muscles on the instrumented Timed-Up-and-Go (iTUG) test among older adults. Older adults were recruited and classified to low (n=10, age=72.9±2.8 years) and high fall risk (n=10, age=83.6±9.6) using STEADI. Vibratory system (30Hz or 40Hz), was positioned on calves along with wearable motion sensors. Participants performed the iTUG test three times, under conditions of no-vibration, 30Hz, and 40Hz vibration. Percentage differences in duration of iTUG components were calculated comparing vibration vs no-vibration conditions. Significant between-group differences were observed in iTUG (p=0.03); high fall risk participants showed reduction in the duration of turning (-10 % with 30Hz; p=0.15 and -15 % with 40Hz; p=0.03) and turning and sitting (-18 % with 30Hz; p=0.02 and -10 % with 40Hz; p=0.08). However, vibration increased turning (+18 % with 30Hz; p=0.20 and +27 % with 40Hz; p=0.12) and turning and sitting duration (+27 % with 30Hz; p=0.11 and +47 % with 40Hz; p=0.12) in low fall risk participants. Findings suggest that lower-extremity vibration affects dynamic balance; however, the level of this influence may differ between low and high fall risk older adults, which can potentially be used for assessing aging-related sensory deficits.


2021 ◽  
pp. 111347
Author(s):  
Rasmus A.W. Stagsted ◽  
Cintia Ramari ◽  
Anders G. Skjerbaek ◽  
Cecilie Thrue ◽  
Ulrik Dalgas ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Chisato Hayashi ◽  
Soshiro Ogata ◽  
Tadashi Okano ◽  
Hiromitsu Toyoda ◽  
Sonoe Mashino

Abstract Background The effects of group exercise on the physical function of community-dwelling older adults remain unclear. The changes in lower extremity muscle strength, timed up and go (TUG) time, and the motor fitness scale (MFS), over time, among older adults who expressed a willingness to participate in community-based physical exercise groups, were determined using multilevel modelling. Methods We analyzed data of 2407 older adults between April 2010 and December 2019 from the registry of physical tests of community-based physical exercise groups. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to assess the effect of physical exercise on lower extremity muscle strength, TUG time, and MFS scores. The durations of the exercises were evaluated by frequency of physical test’s participate. Results A deterioration in lower extremity muscle strength was found in the short-term participant group only. However, in the mid-term and long-term participation groups, lower extremity muscle strength showed a trend of improvement. The TUG time and the MFS score were negatively correlated with increasing age in both groups divided by the duration of participation. However, there was a slower rate of deterioration in the long-term participation group. Discussion Lower extremity muscle strength, TUG time, and MFS scores decline with increasing age and there were differences in the slope of deterioration that depended on the duration of participation in community-based group exercise. Conclusion Participation in group exercise improved lower extremity muscle strength, TUG time, and MFS scores of older adults living in a community. The positive effects of group exercise were dependent on long-term participation.


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