Impact of low cost strength training of dorsi‐ and plantar flexors on balance and functional mobility in institutionalized elderly people

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effects of a low cost strength training program of the dorsi‐ and ankle plantar flexors on muscle strength, balance and functional mobility, in elderly institutionalized subjects; and to determine the association between strength gain and balance and/or functional mobility gain. Methods: Forty‐eight volunteers were recruited and equally divided into two groups: intervention (aged 78.44 ± 3.84 years) and control (aged 79.78 ± 3.90 years). Both groups were tested at baseline and outcome for ankle dorsi‐ and plantar flexors muscle strength, balance and functional mobility. The intervention group participated in a 6‐week program, three‐sessions‐per‐week, of resisted ankle dorsi‐ and plantar flexion exercises using elastic bands. Results: In the intervention group, maximal isometric dorsi‐ (from 8.4 ± 0.45 to 12.6 ± 0.95 kg; P ≤ 0.001) and plantar flexors strength (from 13.0 ± 0.85 to 17.5 ± 0.93 kg; P ≤ 0.001), balance (from 14.6 ± 0.54 to 22.3 ± 1.81 cm; P ≤ 0.001) and functional mobility (from 18.4 ± 0.51 to 11.0 ± 0.66 s; P ≤ 0.001) increased significantly after the 6‐week strength training program. In the control group, no significant differences were detected. In the intervention group, a significant correlation between plantar flexor strength gain and balance gain was found ( r = 0.826; P = 0.01). Conclusion: The proposed low cost strength training of dorsi‐ and plantar flexors improved strength, balance and functional mobility in institutionalized elderly people; moreover, the improvement in plantar flexor strength was associated with the improvement in balance.