The Effect of 8 Weeks of Strength Training on Static and Dynamic Balance in Healthy Men

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of resistance training on static and dynamic balance in healthy elderly men. 24 healthy elderly men with no experience of falling were divided into resistance training (RT) group (n=12، mean age: 59. 2±6. 96 years، weight: 74. 5 ±5. 3 kg، height 172. 41±6. 2 cm) and control group (n=12، mean age: 63. 6±5. 68 years، weight: 77. 6±7 kg، height: 173. 4±7. 3 cm). Static balance was measured with open and closed eyes by Sharpened Romberg (reliability: open eyes 0. 90-0. 91 and closed eyes 0. 76-0. 77) and dynamic balance by timed get up and go test (reliability 0. 99) before and after the intervention. RT group performed strength training for 8 muscle groups twice a week for 8 weeks while control group had their daily routine. To determine the difference between pretest and posttest of the groups، ANOVA with repeated measures was used at P≤0. 05. Data analysis was completed using the statistical software SPSS v. 16. The results showed that although strength training changed static balance with open eyes (P=0. 06) but these changes were not significant at P≤0. 05. No significant changes were observed in static balance with closed eyes and dynamic balance (P=0. 287، P=0. 133). No significant changes were observed in static balance with open and closed eyes and dynamic balance in control group (P=0. 932، P=0. 237، P=0. 408). The results of this study demonstrated that 8 weeks of resistance training did not have a significant effect on static and dynamic balance in the elderly.