Introduction:
Falls in elderly are responsible for many cases of injury and death. Changes in balance and muscle strength associated with aging that contribute to the occurrence of falls, can be partially reverted with exercise.
Objective:
Investigate the effect of eight weeks of oscillatory pole training on the step length and lower limb muscle activation during dual-task gait in elderly.
Methods:
The study included 16 female elderly randomly divided into two groups: balance training (GTE) and oscillatory pole training (GTEHV). The gait evaluation was composed of three conditions that included gait speed preference and dual-tasksgait. Electromyography findings of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior, lateral head of gastrocnemius as well as kinematic data of step length were collected.
Results:
The GTEHV group showed higher values of step length after training. Both groups (GTE and GTEHV) showed lower muscle activation after training.
Conclusion:
The results suggest that balance training with oscillatory pole may be effective for improve performance during different gait conditions in elderly contributing to the prevention of falls in this population.
accidental falls; vibration; postural balance; biomechanical phenomena
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