Body sway characteristics during static upright position following systematic balance training in older adults

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the work was to establish whether systematic balance training of moderate intensity influences postural control measurements in older adults. Methods: Seventy-nine healthy older adults (mean age 65.33 ±3.83 years) were randomly divided into 3 groups: classic balance training (CBT, n=32, mean age 66.03 ±3.19 years), virtual reality balance training (VBT, n=16, mean age 65.31 ±3.46 years), and control (CON, n=31, mean age 64.61 ±4.54 years). Postural control was measured at inclusion, and after completion of the 12 weeks training cycle or—CON—with an interval of 12 weeks. Results: The study revealed that both forms of applied BT caused significant changes in the examined parameters assessing balance. CBT improved reduced trunk deflection in the test with closed eyes condition, while in the VBT group, improvement was noted mainly regarding parameters assessing static balance with open eyes.