title: Balance improvement by strength training for the elderly.
abstract: [Purpose] Aging is associated with a progressive decline in overall muscle strength. Loss of lower limb strength leads to an increased risk of falls and a sedentary lifestyle. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether lower limb strengthening exercise leads to improved lower limb strength and balance function for the elderly. [Subjects] From a total of 74 respondents, 50 subjects were randomly assigned to either a training group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 20). The subjects ranged in age from 65 to 82 years. A randomized controlled trial compared the effects of strengthening exercise and balance function. [Methods] Leg extension and lower curl exercises were performed during the 12-week study. [Results] After training, the lower limb strength and balance of the individuals in the training group had significantly improved compared to the baseline. [Conclusion] Improvement in lower limb strength may lead to balance enhancement in neurologically intact older persons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: In-Hee
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Uiduk University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Sang-Young
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Park
keywords: Balance; Elderly; Strengthening exercise