Training Improves Balance Control

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a group-based functional and specific balance training program on balance function in healthy older adults. It is commonly considered difficult to improve balance function in healthy older adults. The program included dual-task exercises; physical training exercises and a cognitive task (e.g. reading or reciting a story) performed simultaneously, as well as perturbation exercises, where balance is challenged in unexpected ways. The investigators hypothesized that following the proposed training, older adults would improve their speed of taking a step in both single and dual task conditions, refine their ability to control balance when standing still and improve their self-reported physical function.

Inclusion Criteria: * 65 years or older * Independently ambulatory (cane acceptable; not walker) * Score better than 45 on the Berg Balance Scale * Higher than 24 Mini-Mental Score Exclusion Criteria: * Severe focal muscle weakness or visual impairment * Known neurological disorders (including stroke, Parkinson disease) * Metastatic cancer * Use of medication that impairs balance or strength