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Updated: May 21, 2026
Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
Comparison of multisensory and strength training for postural control in the elderly
Fábio Marcon Alfieri1, Marcelo Riberto, Lucila Silveira Gatz
1São Paulo Adventist University Center, São Paulo. fabio.alfieri@unasp.edu.br
Objective:
The objective of this study was to analyze the efficacy of multisensory versus muscle strengthening to improve postural control in healthy community-dwelling elderly.
Participants:
We performed a single-blinded study with 46 community-dwelling elderly allocated to strength (GS, n = 23; 70.18 ± 4.8 years 22 women and 1 man) and multisensory exercises groups (GM, n = 23; 68.8 ± 5.9 years; 22 women and 1 man) for 12 weeks.
Methods:
We performed isokinetic evaluations of muscle groups in the ankle and foot including dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, inversion, and eversion. The oscillation of the center of pressure was assessed with a force platform.
Results:
The GM group presented a reduction in the oscillation (66.8 ± 273.4 cm(2) to 11.1 ± 11.6 cm(2); P = 0.02), which was not observed in the GS group. The GM group showed better results for the peak torque and work than the GS group, but without statistical significance.
Conclusion:
Although the GM group presented better results, it is not possible to state that one exercise regimen proved more efficacious than the other in improving balance control.
