title: Effects of feedback-based balance and core resistance training vs. Pilates training on balance and muscle function in older women: a randomized-controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aging is associated with decline in physical function that could result in the development of physical impairment and disability. Hence, interventions that simultaneously challenge balance ability, trunk (core) and extremity strength of older adults could be particularly effective in preserving and enhancing these physical functions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of feedback-based balance and core resistance training utilizing the a special computer-controlled device (Huber®) with the conventional Pilates training on balance ability, neuromuscular function and body composition of healthy older women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-four older women (age: 70±4 years) were randomly assigned to a Huber group (n=17) or Pilates group (n=17). Both groups trained for 8 weeks, 3 times a week. Maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors, extensors, and lateral flexors, leg power, upper-body strength, single- and dual-task static balance, and body composition were measured before and after the intervention programs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant group×time interactions and main effects of time (p<0.05) were found for body composition, balance ability in standard and dual-task conditions, all trunk muscle strength variables, and leg power in favor of the Huber group. The observed improvements in balance ability under both standard and dual-task conditions in the Huber group were mainly the result of enhanced postural control in medial-lateral direction (p<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Feedback-based balance and core resistance training proved to be more effective in improving single- and dual-task balance ability, trunk muscle strength, leg power, and body composition of healthy older women than the traditional Pilates training.
authors.affiliation: Motor Control and Human Performance Lab, School of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Croatia; Research Unit, Motus Melior Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: gmarkov@kif.hr.
authors.forename: Goran
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Markovic
authors.affiliation: University of Primorska, Andrej Marusic Institute, Department of Health Study, Koper, Slovenia; S2P Ltd., Laboratory for Motor Control and Motor Learning, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Nejc
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sarabon
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Centre for Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Zrinka
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Greblo
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences J. J. Strossmayer, University of Osijek, Croatia.
authors.forename: Valerija
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Krizanic
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Exercise training; Muscle strength; Physical performance; Postural control