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Comparison of multisensory and strength training for postural control in the elderly

Authors Alfieri FM, Marcelo Riberto, Lucila Silveira Gatz, Paschoal Corsi Ribeiro C, José Augusto Fernandes Lopes, Rizzo Battistella L

Received 11 November 2011

Accepted for publication 12 January 2012

Published 21 May 2012 Volume 2012:7 Pages 119—125

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S27747

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 2



Fábio Marcon Alfieri,1 Marcelo Riberto,2 Lucila Silveira Gatz,3 Carla Paschoal Corsi Ribeiro,4 José Augusto Fernandes Lopes,4 Linamara Rizzo Battistella4

1São 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, Brazil

Objective: 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

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