Twelve weeks of BodyBalance® training improved balance and functional task performance in middle-aged and older adults.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of BodyBalance(®) training on balance, functional task performance, fear of falling, and health-related quality of life in adults aged over 55 years.


METHODS
A total of 28 healthy, active adults aged 66±5 years completed the randomized controlled trial. Balance, functional task performance, fear of falling, and self-reported quality of life were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Participants either undertook two sessions of BodyBalance per week for 12 weeks (n=15) or continued with their normal activities (n=13).


RESULTS
Significant group-by-time interactions were found for the timed up and go (P=0.038), 30-second chair stand (P=0.037), and mediolateral center-of-pressure range in narrow stance with eyes closed (P=0.017). There were no significant effects on fear of falling or self-reported quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
Twelve weeks of BodyBalance training is effective at improving certain balance and functional based tasks in healthy older adults.
School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia.
Vaughan P
VP
Nicholson
School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia.
Mark R
MR
McKean
School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia.
Brendan J
BJ
Burkett
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*
center of pressure; exercise; postural control; tai chi; yoga