A 24-Week Combined Resistance and Balance Training Program Improves Physical Function in Older Adults: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Aging is associated with declines in physical function, increasing the risk of falls, frailty, and disability.
• Exercise interventions are crucial for maintaining physical function in older adults.
• Combined resistance and balance training (RBT) may offer synergistic benefits for physical function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and safety of a 24-week combined resistance and balance training (RBT) program in older adults.
• To compare the effects of RBT with resistance training (RT) alone and a no-exercise control group on physical function.
• To identify specific physical function improvements attributable to RBT.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 65 community-dwelling adults aged 60-74 years.
• Participants were assigned to RT, RBT, or control groups.
• Intervention involved 45-minute exercise sessions, 3 times per week for 24 weeks, with high compliance and no adverse effects.

Main Results:

• Both RT and RBT groups showed significant improvements in dynamic balance, maximum walking speed, upper and lower extremity muscle strength, and spirometry compared to the control group.
• The RBT group demonstrated additional significant improvements in normal walking speed, dynamic balance, and lower limb muscle strength compared to the RT group.
• RBT was found to be safe and feasible for older adults.

Conclusions:

• Combined resistance and balance training is a safe and feasible intervention for older adults.
• Long-term RBT is more effective than no exercise or RT alone in improving overall physical function.
• RBT offers distinct advantages over RT alone, particularly in enhancing dynamic balance and lower limb strength, crucial for fall prevention and mitigating geriatric syndromes.