Effects of Functional Training and Calf Stretching on Risk of Falls in Older People: A Pilot Study.
This study aimed to determine the effects of a functional training and ankle stretching program in triceps surae torque, passive stiffness index, and in the risk for fall indicators in older adults. Twenty women (73.4 ± 7.3 years) were allocated into an intervention or control group. The 12-week intervention consisted of functional training and calf stretching exercises performed twice a week. Measurements of peak passive and active torque, passive stiffness, maximum dorsiflexion angle, and indexes of risk for falls (Timed Up and Go, functional reach test, QuickScreen-test) were collected. There were no significant differences for all variables, except the maximum dorsiflexion angle, which increased in the intervention group from 33.78 ± 8.57° to 38.89 ± 7.52°. The exercise program was not sufficient to enhance performance on functional tests and decrease the risk for falls in older adults. The significant increase in the maximum dorsiflexion indicates a positive impact of stretching exercises.
Jailton Thulher
JT
do Rosario
Natalia Santos
NS
da Fonseca Martins
Carolina Carneiro
CC
Peixinho
Liliam Fernandes
LF
Oliveira
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012306:Risk; D019415:Torque
active torque; functional training; older adults; passive torque; risk for falls; stretching