The continues effect of isometric and concentric resistance training on dynamic and functional balance in elderly women

One of the problems of the elderly is a decrease in balance and an increase in static fluctuations. the purpose of this research was to determine the effects of isometric and concentric strength training on dynamic and functional balance in case of after 2 months training in elderly women.

This study was a quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest design with a control group. 30 elderly women aged selected voluntarily and according to the inclusion criteria and they were homogenously divided into three equal groups: isometric, isotonic and control. Dynamic balance scores were measured by a Biodex balance system, and the functional balance scores were calculated by time up & go test (TUG).Resistance training was performed during 18 sessions (40 minutes and 3 sessions each week). Participants examined before, after and 1 and 2 months after training sessions.. Data were analyzed by Mixed ANOVA with repeated measure (3 * 2) and (3 * 3).

Isometric and concentric strength training had a significant increase in dynamic balance (P = 0.001) and functional balance (P = 0.001) in elderly women. The effect of concentric on dynamic balance is more than isometric. In contrast, the effect of isometric on functional balance was higher than that of concentric. Training had continues effect on functional balance .

Isometric and concentric training improved balance. The positive effect of these exercises is not only immediately after the training period but even up to 2 months after the end of the training.