Document Type : Original Article (s)
Authors
1
MSc Student, Department of Sport Sciences, Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Sciences, Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Background: Every year, 10% of the elderlies with more than 65 years of age, lose their independency for one or more daily activities. Among several reasons for falling, balance disorder is of prominent role. Physical exercise is widely accepted as an inexpensive, available and low-risk method for balance maintainance and restoring. This study aimed to compare the effect of a period of functional, sports vision and concurrent training on static and dynamic balance in elderly women.Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 36 elderly women who were members of Dastgerd Martyrs Cultural Academy (Isfahan, Iran), with the mean age of 63.86 ± 3.40 years, were enrolled via convenience sampling. The participants were devided into three equal groups of functional, sports vision, and concurrent training. Then, for 8 weeks, the members of every group practiced, three 60-minute sessions a week. Using pre-test, post-test method, before the start and at the end of practice period, static and dynamic balance were measured using Sharpened Romberg and Timed Up and Go tests, respectively. For statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was applied.Findings: All three practice programs were influential (P = 0.0001). In addition, there was no significant difference between the groups in static and dynamic balance of the participants during eight weeks of practice (P > 0.05) and all three methods (functional, sports vision and concurrent training) made the same progress.Conclusion: It can be concluded that the coaches and authorities could take the advantage of such practices in their treatment programs, to improve static and dynamic balance of elderly people.
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