Functional mobility and balance in community-dwelling elderly submitted to multisensory versus strength exercises

Abstract

It is well documented that aging impairs balance and functional mobility. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of multisensory versus strength exercises on these parameters. We performed a simple blinded randomized controlled trial with 46 community-dwelling elderly allocated to strength ([GST], N = 23, 70.2-years-old ± 4.8 years) or multisensory ([GMS], N = 23, 68.8-years-old ± 5.9 years) exercises twice a week for 12 weeks. Subjects were evaluated by blinded raters using the timed ‘up and go’ test (TUG), the Guralnik test battery, and a force platform. By the end of the treatment, the GMS group showed a significant improvement in TUG (9.1 ± 1.9 seconds (s) to 8.0 ± 1.0 s, P = 0.002); Guralnik test battery (10.6 ± 1.2 to 11.3 ± 0.8 P = 0.009); lateromedial (6.1 ± 11.7 cm to 3.1 ± 1.6 cm, P = 0.02) and anteroposterior displacement (4.7 ± 4.2 cm to 3.4 ± 1.0 cm, P = 0.03), which were not observed in the GST group. These results reproduce previous findings in the literature and mean that the stimulus to sensibility results in better achievements for the control of balance and dynamic activities. Multisensory exercises were shown to be more efficacious than strength exercises to improve functional mobility.

Balance Exercises Circuit improves muscle strength, balance, and functional performance in older women

“…This observation is consistent with results in previous studies that applied interventions with similar principles used in the BEC and with the same amount of sessions (Eyigor et al 2007;Donat and Ozcan 2007;Fu et al 2009;Alfieri et al 2010). However, these authors had superficially described the types of exercises and stimuli, only in a broad way, reporting only the total duration of sessions, which was approximately 50 to 60 min.…”

Training in the functional movement circle to promote strength and mobility-related activities in older adults: a randomized controlled trial

“…In their systematic review, Granacher et al (2013) intended to evaluate new intervention programs that were specifically designed to work against age-related impairments. Studies considered in this review showed positive effects of movements of everyday life in combination with balance exercises (Alfieri et al 2010;Egerton et al 2009;Mayer et al 2011). However, studies that implemented traditional resistance training without any additional exercises also displayed comparable positive effects (Aagaard et al 2010;Barry and Carson 2004;Bottaro et al 2007;Manini et al 2007).…”

Gender, Trunk Muscle Endurance and Static Balance in Young Adults

“…Previous work has suggested that there was a significant effect of gender on strength and endurance that may be resulted from agerelated loss of muscle mass in elderly females more than males 31,32 . These changes are known as sarcopenia 33,34 .…”