Evaluation of the effectiveness of selected strength training at an unstable level and hydrotherapy on lower limb muscle strength, balance and fear of falling in the elderly

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of selected strength training at an unstable level and hydrotherapy on lower limb muscle strength, balance and fear of falling in the elderly. All subjects included 36 elderly men aged 60 to 70 years who were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly divided into three groups of 12: strength, hydrotherapy and control. To assess static balance, dynamic balance, lower limb muscle strength and fear of falling, the Sharpened Romberg test, the time of getting up and going, getting up from the chair and the Falls Efficacy Scale International were used, The control group did not have a specific exercise program. Analysis of covariance and Bonferroni test were used to analyze the data. The results showed that between the groups of strength training, hydrotherapy and control in the variables of static balance (P= 0.001), dynamic balance (P= 0.001), lower limb strength (P= 0.01) and fear of falling (P= 0.001) there is a significant difference. By using strength training at an unstable level, you can improve the strength of the lower limbs and improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, and it is one of the appropriate solutions. It is effective in improving balance, lower limb strength and reducing the risk of falling in older men. However, strength training was more effective.