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Citation
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Rogers MW, Creath RA, Gray V, Abarro J, McCombe Waller S, Beamer BA, Sorkin JD. J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: This factorial, assessor-blinded, randomized, and controlled study compared the effects of perturbation-induced step training (lateral waist-pulls), hip muscle strengthening, and their combination, on balance performance, muscle strength, and prospective falls among older adults.
METHODS: community-dwelling older adults were randomized to four training groups. Induced-step training (IST, n=25) involved 43 progressive perturbations. Hip abduction strengthening (HST, n=25) utilized progressive resistance exercises. Combined training (CMB, n=25) included IST and HST, and the control performed seated flexibility/relaxation exercises (SFR, n=27). Training involved 36 sessions over 12-weeks. The primary outcomes were the number of recovery steps and first step length, and maximum hip abduction torque. Fall frequency during 12 months after training was determined.
RESULTS: Overall, the number of recovery steps was reduced by 31%, and depended upon the first step type. IST and CMB increased the rate of more stable single lateral steps pre-post training than HST and SFR who used more multiple crossover and sequential steps. The improved rate of lateral steps for CMB exceeded the control (CMB/SFR rate ratio 2.68). First step length was unchanged, and HST alone increased hip torque by 25%. Relative to SFR, the fall rate ratios (falls/person/year) [95% confidence interval] were: CMB 0.26 [0.07 to 0.90], IST 0.44 [0.18 to 1.08], HST 0.30 (0.10 to 0.91).
CONCLUSIONS: Balance performance through stepping was best improved by combining perturbation and strength training and not strengthening alone. The interventions reduced future falls by 56% -74% over the control. Lateral balance perturbation training may enhance traditional programs for fall prevention.
Language: en |