title: The dose-response relationship of balance training in physically active older adults.
abstract: A 6-wk group balance-training program was conducted with physically active older adults (based on American College of Sports Medicine requirements) to investigate the effect of dose-related static and dynamic balance-specific training. All participants, age 60-87 yr, continued their regular exercise program while adding balance training in 1 of 3 doses: three 20-min sessions/wk (n = 20), one 20-min session/wk (n = 21), or no balance training (n = 19). Static balance (single-leg-stance, tandem), dynamic balance (alternate stepping, limits of stability), and balance confidence (ABC) were assessed pre- and posttraining. Significant interactions were observed for time in single-leg stance, excursion in limits of stability, and balance confidence, with the greatest increase observed in the group that completed 3 training sessions/wk. The results demonstrate a dose-response relationship indicating that those who are already physically active can improve balance performance with the addition of balance-specific training.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Kristen K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Maughan
authors.forename: Kristin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Lowry
authors.forename: Warren D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Franke
authors.forename: Ann L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Smiley-Oyen
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis