title: Promoting balance and strength in the middle-aged workforce.
abstract: The prevalence of sustaining fall-related injuries is high in the middle-aged workforce. Deficits in postural control/muscle strength represent important fall-risk factors. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of balance and strength training followed by detraining on postural control and muscle strength in the workforce. Thirty-two adults with sedentary office work participated in this study and were assigned to an intervention (age 56.0 ± 3.7 yrs) or a control group (age 55.5 ± 3.4 yrs). The intervention group participated in 8 weeks of balance and strength training conducted at the worksite, followed by 8 weeks of detraining. Tests included the measurement of (a) total centre of pressure (COP) displacements during one-legged standing, (b) gait velocity and stride-to-stride variability, (c) peak isometric/isokinetic torque and rate of torque development (RTD) of the plantar flexors, and (d) jumping height. After training, significant improvements in COP displacements, gait velocity, peak isometric/isokinetic torque, RTD, and jumping height were observed. During detraining, muscle strength deteriorated, whereas postural control improved. This fall-preventive training program conducted at the worksite proved to be feasible and effective. It is suggested that this training program should be permanently conducted to maintain/improve muscle strength.
authors.affiliation: University of Basel, Institute of Exercise and Health Sciences, Basel, Switzerland. urs.granacher@unibas.ch
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Granacher
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wick
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rueck
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Esposito
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Roth
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zahner
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D016272:Occupational Health; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019415:Torque; D016138:Walking