title: Supervised Versus Home Exercise Training Programs on Functional Balance in Older Subjects.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aging is associated with a progressive decline in physical capabilities and a disturbance of both postural control and daily living activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supervised versus home exercise programs on muscle strength, balance and functional activities in older participants.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty older participants were equally assigned to a supervised exercise program (group-I) or a home exercise program (group-II). Each participant performed the exercise program for 35-45 minutes, two times per week for four months. Balance indices and isometric muscle strength were measured with the Biodex Balance System and Hand-Held Dynamometer. Functional activities were evaluated by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the timed get-up-and-go test (TUG).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean values of the Biodex balance indices and the BBS improved significantly after both the supervised and home exercise programs (P< 0.05). However, the mean values of the TUG and muscle strength at the ankle, knee and hip improved significantly only after the supervised program. A comparison between the supervised and home exercise programs revealed there were only significant differences in the BBS, TUG and muscle strength.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both the supervised and home exercise training programs significantly increased balance performance. The supervised program was superior to the home program in restoring functional activities and isometric muscle strength in older participants.
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Dammam, Alkhobar, Dammam City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Enas Fawzy
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Youssef
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Dammam, Alkhobar, Dammam City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Alsayed Abd Elhameed
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Shanb
keywords: elderly; exercise training; muscle weakness