Comparison of multisensory and strength training for postural control in the elderly.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to analyze the efficacy of multisensory versus muscle strengthening to improve postural control in healthy community-dwelling elderly.


METHODS
We performed a single-blinded study with 46 community-dwelling elderly allocated to strength (GS, n = 23; 70.18 ± 4.8 years 22 women and 1 man) and multisensory exercises groups (GM, n = 23; 68.8 ± 5.9 years; 22 women and 1 man) for 12 weeks.


METHODS
We performed isokinetic evaluations of muscle groups in the ankle and foot including dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, inversion, and eversion. The oscillation of the center of pressure was assessed with a force platform.


RESULTS
The GM group presented a reduction in the oscillation (66.8 ± 273.4 cm(2) to 11.1 ± 11.6 cm(2); P = 0.02), which was not observed in the GS group. The GM group showed better results for the peak torque and work than the GS group, but without statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the GM group presented better results, it is not possible to state that one exercise regimen proved more efficacious than the other in improving balance control.
São Paulo Adventist University Center, São Paulo. fabio.alfieri@unasp.edu.br
Fábio Marcon
FM
Alfieri
Marcelo
M
Riberto
Lucila Silveira
LS
Gatz
Carla Paschoal Corsi
CP
Ribeiro
José Augusto Fernandes
JA
Lopes
Linamara Rizzo
LR
Battistella
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000842:Ankle / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance; D055070:Resistance Training; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016138:Walking