Effects of Ballates, Step Aerobics, and Walking on Balance in Women Aged 50 to 75 Years

Abstract

As the percentage of American adults aged 65 years and above increases, it is expected that approximately 30% of these individuals will experience at least one fall per year and that 15% will have recurring falls. The possibility of improving balance by increasing core strength, through the use of a stability ball has not been examined. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of ballates training compared to more traditional programs of step aerobics and walking on balance in women aged 50 to 75 years. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to one of three training groups, ballates (n = 12), step aerobics (n = 17), or walking (n =15), during which they attended one hour, supervised training sessions, three days per week, over a 13-week period. Pre and post-testing included four separate measures of static and dynamic balance (Modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance-mCTSIB; Unilateral Stance-US; Tandem Walk-TW; and Step Quick and Turn-SQT) using the NeuroCom Balance Master. RESULTS: A one-way ANOVA indicated that there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the three groups for age, height, weight, and body composition (DXA-Lunar Prodigy, software version 8.80.001). At least 85% attendance was maintained for each training program. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA found two significant group by trial interactions for the mCTSIB tests. Sway velocity on a firm (p < 0.05) and foam (p < 0.05) surface with eyes closed increased slightly for the Ballates group, while the step aerobics and walking groups either decreased or remained the same following the training. There were significant trial effects when measuring speed for the TW (p < 0.01), and turn time (p < 0.01) and sway (p < 0.05) for the SQT. No trial or group differences (p > 0.05) were observed during the US. CONCLUSIONS: In general, all three training programs were effective for improving dynamic balance, however, step aerobics and walking programs resulted in be better improvements in static balance.