Comparison of multisensory and strength training for postural control in the elderly
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Updated: May 21, 2026
Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
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.
