Month: June 2020

 Balance training has been demonstrated to be effective in improving balance and decreasing falls in cognitively intact older adults.  It has been confirmed in many clinical studies over the last decade that Balance Training (BT) is a very effective means to improve both functional and sport performance-related balance tasks over a relatively short period of time.

The Berg Balance Scale is a test used to measure and calculate a score based on a series of tasks  that are measured both quantitatively and quantitatively. It is used to access balance & mobility in physical therapy.

Proprioception is basically one’s ability to know about the movement of his or her own body part without having to look at it. … You can sharpen your proprioceptive (balance, agility) skills by practicing exercises that can help in preventing injuries to the body by making it adaptable to the changing environment.

Supervised balance training shows immediate benefit for older adults at fall risk. The long-term effects of such training can be enhanced by implementing a safe and simple home exercise program (HEP).  It is important to consult a Specialist in Senior Fitness to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your fitness program. It is an integral part of every training program that I create for my clients.

1. Lacroix A, Kressig RW, Muehlbauer T, Gschwind YJ, Pfenninger B, Bruegger O,Granacher U. Effects of a Supervised versus an Unsupervised Combined Balance and Strength Training Program on Balance and Muscle Power in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Gerontology. 2016;62(3):275-88. doi:10.1159/000442087. Epub 2015 Dec 9. PMID: 26645282.
2. Tisher K, Mann K, VanDyke S, Johansson C, Vallabhajosula S. Functional measures show improvements after a home exercise program following balance training in older adults with elevated fall risk. Physiother TheoryPract. 2019 Apr;35(4):305-317. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1444116. Epub 2018 Mar5. PMID: 29505321.
3. Martínez-Amat A, Hita-Contreras F, Lomas-Vega R, Caballero Martínez I,Alvarez PJ, Martínez-López E. Effects of 12-week proprioception training program on postural stability, gait, and balance in older adults: a controlled clinical trial. J Strength Cond Res. 2013 Aug;27(8):2180-8. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31827da35f. PMID: 23207891.
4. 14: Orr R, de Vos NJ, Singh NA, Ross DA, Stavrinos TM, Fiatarone-Singh MA. Power training improves balance in healthy older adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2006 Jan;61(1):78-85. doi: 10.1093/gerona/61.1.78. PMID: 16456197.