Influence of Strength Training on Postural Control in the Older Adult

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of a progressive strength training program on quiet postural sway and stability limits in healthy males (n=8) and females (n=12) aged 60-80 years. The ability of the subjects to utilize visual information (eyes open vs. eyes closed) to improve quiet postural sway and stability limits was also examined. Vision, was found to significantly improve quiet postural sway (lat and a-p) and stability limits (a-p). Vision improved stability limits (lat) for the male subjects but not for the female subjects. The strength training did not significantly improve any of the balance measures but a gender by training interaction was found for quiet postural sway (normalized to stability limits) in the a-p direction. The male subjects quiet postural sway decreased after the strength training and their stability limits increased, The greatest improvements in balance were noted for the subjects who had substantially higher baseline levels to begin with. Exercise was found to improve muscle strength and this increase may have contributed to the improvements in balance noted.