Clinical Interventions in Aging (May 2012)
Comparison of multisensory and strength training for postural control in the elderly
Abstract
Fábio Marcon Alfieri,1 Marcelo Riberto,2 Lucila Silveira Gatz,3 Carla Paschoal Corsi Ribeiro,4 José Augusto Fernandes Lopes,4 Linamara Rizzo Battistella41São Paulo Adventist University Center, São Paulo, 2Faculty of Medicine in Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 3Physical Educator, São Paulo, 4School of Medicine, Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinics Hospital of University of São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilObjective: The objective of this study was to analyze the efficacy of multisensory versus muscle strengthening to improve postural control in healthy community-dwelling elderly.Participants: We performed a single-blinded study with 46 community-dwelling elderly allocated to strength (GS, n = 23; 70.18 ± 4.8 years 22 women and 1 man) and multisensory exercises groups (GM, n = 23; 68.8 ± 5.9 years; 22 women and 1 man) for 12 weeks.Methods: We performed isokinetic evaluations of muscle groups in the ankle and foot including dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, inversion, and eversion. The oscillation of the center of pressure was assessed with a force platform.Results: The GM group presented a reduction in the oscillation (66.8 ± 273.4 cm2 to 11.1 ± 11.6 cm2; P = 0.02), which was not observed in the GS group. The GM group showed better results for the peak torque and work than the GS group, but without statistical significance.Conclusion: Although the GM group presented better results, it is not possible to state that one exercise regimen proved more efficacious than the other in improving balance control.Keywords: postural control, aging, exercise, multisensory, strengthening
