Effect of Combined Training (Strength and Stretching) on Balance, Risk of Falling, and Quality of Life in the Elderly

Problems increase with age, which affects the older people at different levels. Old age is associated with reduced physiological capacity that can lead to increased disability, loss of balance and falling. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the combination training (strength and stretching) on balance, the risk of falls, and quality of life for older men.
In the current quasi-experimental study, participants were healthy elderly men in Rasht (age: 65/64±6/95). The experiments were 28 men who met the criteria for research and were available for sampling. In the present study, we used the Sharpend-rumberg test (with eyes open and closed) as well as get up and go time test to measure the static and dynamic balance. These tests were conducted after the training sessions. Data analysis was done using independent t-test (at a significance level of 0/005> R).
The results showed that combined training for eight weeks in comparison with the control group has a significant effect on static balance with open eyes (P = 0/009), static balance with eyes closed (P = 0/001), dynamic balance (P = 0/025), and the risk of falls (p = 0/004).
It seems that combined training (strength and stretching) can positively affect the balance and risk of falls in older people, but it does not have a significant impact on the quality of their life.