Title: Recommended balance training programs for older adults – Human Kinetics
Headings: Recommended balance training programs for older adults
Recommended balance training programs for older adults
This is an excerpt from Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription 7th Edition With Online Video by Vivian Heyward & Ann Gibson.
Designing Balance Training Programs
Recommendations for Balance Training Programs (ACSM 2009b)
Balance Training Exercise Prescription
Balance Training Programs
Sample Multimodal Balance Training Program
Client data
Guidelines for Designing Balance Training Programs for Older Adults (Granacher 2011)

Content: Takeshima and associates (2007) compared the effects of aerobic, resistance, balance, flexibility, and tai chi training on the functional fitness of older adults. Exercise programs were performed for 12 wk, 2 days/wk, for each exercise training mode except for the aerobic training (3 days/wk for 90 min). While resistance training elicited the greatest improvement (31%) in upper body strength, balance training produced the greatest increase in lower body strength (40%). Resistance training, tai chi, and balance training each produced similar gains in balance and agility (10%). Hill and colleagues (2007) examined the effects of physical activity that combined yoga, tai chi, and resistance training. At the end of this 6 mo program, strength, balance, and gait endurance of older adults were significantly improved. Those who attended classes 2 days/wk improved more than those averaging only once per week. Does resistance training improve balance? Improved balance is often mentioned as one of the benefits of resistance training. Muscle weakness is one intrinsic factor related to balance disorders and risk of falling.