Df. Verfaillie et al., EFFECTS OF RESISTANCE, BALANCE, AND GAIT TRAINING ON REDUCTION OF RISK-FACTORS LEADING TO FALLS IN ELDERS, Journal of aging and physical activity, 5(3), 1997, pp. 213-228
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of resistance tra
ining alone or in combination with balance and gait training on balanc
e and gait measures in seniors. Subjects, ranging in age from 65 to 83
years, were randomly assigned to a strength and balance/gait group (S
E, n = 21) or a control group (S, n = 18) receiving strength and relax
ation training. Both groups significantly increased their strength and
gait speed over the 12-week training period, but step length remained
unchanged. The results suggest that elders can make significant gains
in muscular strength and walking speed through resistance training, a
nd that adding balance and gait training to resistance training can si
gnificantly improve some balance and gait measures beyond improvements
achieved from strength training alone. If replicated, these results s
et the stage for investigations of injury control benefits possible fr
om balance training.