Effect of eight weeks stretch and resistance training on balance and reaction time in inactive elderly men

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of eight weeks stretch and resistance training on balance and reaction time in inactive elderly men.

Thirty one old men (62.5±7 years old, 67.5±9 kg weight & 169±5cm height) of Kahrizak institution who were healthy and they were able to participate in exercise program were selected. They didn’t do any exercise or physical activity priviously. They participated in this experiment voluntarily. This research involved two experimental groups and one control group. Participations divided into resistance training (n=10), stretch training (n=10) and control group (n=11). Experimental groups did exercise for 8 weeks and 3 times a week. But the control group did their routine activities. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t and dependent t tests (level of significant was 0.05) and SPSS11.5 was used.

The results showed that resistance training for 8 weeks resulted in significant increase in static and dynamic balance for inactive men also their simple and selective reaction time decreased. The stretch training for 8 weeks resulted in significant increase in dynamic balance and decreased their reaction time.

Since two kinds of strength and resistance training cause to be improve different factors to preventing fall, Results of this study suggest that elderly can to use both resistance and stretch training for improve their dynamic and static balance and reaction time and decrease fall risks.