Intensity-Dependent Effects of a Six-Week Balance Exercise Program in Elderly Women

The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying falls in the elderly. The results were based on a group of 28 women in a control group (CON) and 16 women in an experimental group (EXP), aged 60⁻70. Participants took part in the six-weeks Elderly Recreation Movement Program (ERMP) with the only difference that the EXP group practiced twice as often as the CON group. The measurement of variations in the index called limits of stability (LOS) was performed by application of Kistler force plate and the coactivation index (CI) was registered by means of sEMG. The results demonstrate the existence of statistically significant differences in terms of the principal outcome of the exercise time in the measurements of LOS (F(1.42) = 10.0, p = 0.003), and CI (F(1.42) = 10.5, p = 0.002). The effect of the program was associated with an increase the level of the maximum LOS, and a decrease of the CI level, especially in the experimental group. Hence, the implementation of an innovative ERMP exercise program results in the improvement of the physical capabilities of senior subjects.