The influence of perturbation and non-perturbation balance training program on static and dynamic balance in elderly women

Falling is a main cause of mortality in older adults. Balance training can help to prevent falls in older adults. Therefore، according to the principle of specificity of training، the perturbation-based trainings are more similar to the real situations. So these training programs can improve the lack of balance in older adults. So، the aim of this study is comparing the effectiveness of two different balance trainings on static and dynamic balance in elderly women. Methods and Materials: 38 old women (age 65-80)، were assigned to the following groups: perturbation-based training (n=13)، non-perturbation-based training (n= 12) and control (n= 13)، using random assignment. Static and dynamic balance have been tested before and after the eight weeks of training by the postural stability test of the Biodex balance system using dynamic (level 4) and static platform. The data were analyzed by one sample paired t-test، independent t test، and ANOVA. There was a significant improvement for all indexes of static and dynamic balance in perturbation training group (p<0/05). However، in non-perturbed group، all indexes were improved except ML (p>0/05). ANOVA showed that the perturbation-based training was more effective for ML index of both static and dynamic balance abilities. The findings confirmed the specificity principle of training. Although general balance training can improve balance abilities، these kinds of trainings are not such specific for improving balance neuromuscular activities. So the perturbation-based trainings can activate postural compensatory responses especially in mediolateral balance and so reduce falling risk. According to results، we can conclude that the perturbation-based programs will be useful for rehabilitation interventions in elderly women.