Effects of physical, mental and mixed practices on the static and dynamic balance of aged people

Physiological changes related to aging and muscular problems can increase the risk of injury in elderly. Falling down, accounts for a major risk in the mortality of this age group. Thus, we examined the effect of practice type (physical, mental and mixed practices) on the static and dynamic balance of the old people in Shahrekord. 60 old men and women in the range of 60 to 70 years were randomly divided into three experimental (physical, mental, and mixed practices) groups. Their static and dynamic balances were assessed in advance by using Stroke Stand (standing with one leg) and Star Excursion Balance tests, respectively. Based on the researchers’ protocol, 8 practice sessions were performed for all participants, afterwards. The same balance tests were repeated for the post test. Obtained data was analyzed by either one way ANOVA or two way ANOVA tests with Repeated Measures and Bonferroni Post Hoc tests at the level of P<0.05. Balance tests showed a statistically significant difference between the experimental groups in the post test (P<0.05). The mixed practice group had a better performance than the two other groups (P<0.05). The performance of the physical practice group was also better than the mental practice group, too (P<0.05). Combined application of the physical and mixed exercises make a better performance for increasing the muscle strength of lower extremities and improving the static and dynamic balance in old people.