Resistance and agility training reduce fall risk in women aged 75 to 85 with low bone mass: a 6-month randomized, controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of group resistance and agility-training programs in reducing fall risk in community-dwelling older women with low bone mass.


METHODS
A randomized, controlled, single-blind 25-week prospective study with assessments at baseline, midpoint, and trial completion.


METHODS
Community center.


METHODS
Community-dwelling women aged 75 to 85 with low bone mass.


METHODS
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: resistance training (n=32), agility training (n=34), and stretching (sham) exercises (n=32). The exercise classes for each study arm were held twice weekly.


METHODS
The primary outcome measure was fall risk (derived from weighted scores from tests of postural sway, reaction time, strength, proprioception, and vision), as measured using a Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA). Secondary outcome measures were ankle dorsiflexion strength, foot reaction time, and Community Balance and Mobility Scale score.


RESULTS
Attendance at the exercise sessions for all three groups was excellent: resistance training (85.4%), agility training (87.3%), and stretching program (78.8%). At the end of the trial, PPA fall-risk scores were reduced by 57.3% and 47.5% in the resistance and agility-training groups, respectively, but by only 20.2% in the stretching group. In the resistance and agility groups, the reduction in fall risk was mediated primarily by improved postural stability, where sway was reduced by 30.6% and 29.2%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups for the secondary outcomes measures. Within the resistance-training group, reductions in sway were significantly associated with improved strength, as assessed using increased squat load used in the exercise sessions.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings support the implementation of community-based resistance and agility-training programs to reduce fall risk in older women with low bone mass. Such programs may have particular public health benefits because it has been shown that this group is at increased risk of falling and sustaining fall-related fractures.
Liu-Ambrose
Teresa
T
Bone Health Research Group, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Center Osteoporosis Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Khan
Karim M
KM
Eng
Janice J
JJ
Janssen
Patti A
PA
Lord
Stephen R
SR
McKay
Heather A
HA
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011187:Posture; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors