Modified step aerobics training and neuromuscular function in osteoporotic patients: a randomized controlled pilot study

Effectiveness of a 3-month antifalling program in the mobility, balance confidence, and muscle performance of older adults

This study determined the effectiveness of a 3-month group-based multicomponent exercise program in the mobility, balance confidence, and muscle performance of older adults. A total of 40 participants (mean age=70.60±6.25 years completed pre- and posttest clinical intervention measures of mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, balance confidence using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, upper limb strength (handgrip dynamometer), and lower limb function (30-sec chair rise test). Data were analyzed using paired t-test and based on TUG criteria for risk of fall (low- and high-risk groups). Significant improvements were found in all measures (All P<0.05) following the 3-month program. Measures according to the risk of fall categories were also significantly improved (P<0.01), except the left handgrip strength (P>0.05). The low-risk group showed a higher improvement in mobility (14.87% vs. 11.74%), balance confidence (34.21% vs. 26.08%), and lower limb function (96.87% vs. 21.20%) but was not significantly different from the high-risk group (P>0.05). A group-based multicomponent exercise program benefited the physical functions of older adults at low- or high risk of falls.

Effectiveness of a Mini-Trampoline Training Program on Balance and Functional Mobility, Gait Performance, Strength, Fear of Falling and Bone Mineral Density in Older Women with Osteopenia

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined balance-, strength-, and jumping-exercise intervention on a mini-trampoline performed by older women with osteopenia on static balance and functional mobility, gait speed, strength of the upper and lower limbs, fear of falling, as well as to investigate its influence on bone mineral density (BMD).

Patient and methods

Using a randomized controlled study design, participants (range: 56-83 years) were assigned either to the intervention group (IG; n=20, mean age 69.6 ± 5.3 years) performing a specifically tailored intervention on a mini-trampoline or to the control group (CG; n=20, 67.4 ± 6.8 years), that did not undertake any intervention beyond regular osteopenia treatment. The intervention was performed twice a week for 12 weeks, each session lasting 45-60 mins and consisted of balance, strength and jumping exercises. Static balance and functional mobility was measured by one-leg stance (OLS) and timed up and go test (TUG). Upper and lower limb strength was evaluated by the arm curl test (ACT) and the 30-s chair stand test (CST) whereas gait speed was measured by the 6 m walking test (WT). Fear of falling was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I). BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Results

Significant interactions (group x time) were found for all parameters (p<0.001) except for BMD, measured at the lumbar spine (p=0.064) and femoral neck (p=0.073). All test parameters of balance and functional mobility tests (OLS, TUG), strength tests (ACT, CST), WT, FES-I and BMD (femoral neck) showed significant improvement in the IG (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The combined 12-week intervention was highly effective in improving balance and functional mobility, strength, gait performance and fear of falling in patients with osteopenia.