Balance Training in 70 year old women

Johansson G, Jarnlo GB
Physiother Theory Pract 1991; 7(2): 121 - 125

70 year old women trained for 1 hour twice a week over a 5 week period. The training program consisted of walking in different directions at different speeds, often combined with movements of the arms, neck, and trunk. Many dancing steps were utilized. Weight transfer activities while sitting and standing, and rising from and sitting down in a chair were performed. Subjects participated in balance, coordination, agility, flexibility, relaxation, muscle strength, power and endurance training.

The 70 year old women showed they have the ability to improve their balance by using specific balance tests and training. This improvement hopefully will lead to a decrease in falls in these geriatric women.

AgeWell employs this approach in the treatment of balance disorders by having patients participate in balance activities on unstable surfaces with their eyes open and closed, with head movements. Patients receive challenges to their balance by their therapist. If a patient needs assistance correcting their loss of balance, a licensed PT/PTA is inches away to assist them.