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Influence of a strength training programme on balance control in older adults

Conference Paper · July 2016

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5 authors, including:

Séverine Stragier Alain Carpentier

Université Libre de Bruxelles Université Libre de Bruxelles
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Jacques Duchateau Stéphane Baudry

Université Libre de Bruxelles Université Libre de Bruxelles
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Influence of a strength training programme on balance control in older adults

Stragier S.1,2, Poortmans J.1, Carpentier A.1,2, Duchateau J.2, Baudry S.2

1 Laboratory for Biometry and Exercise Nutrition, 2 Laboratory of Applied Biology and
Neurophysiology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.

Introduction

Maximal force of the ankle plantar flexor (PF) muscles plays a key role in postural control
(1). The decrease in maximal PF force with ageing should therefore contribute to alter balance
steadiness in this age group (4). However, some studies reported only modest effects of a
strength training programme on bipedal balance control in older adults (3). This may reflect
the fact that bipedal upright stance does not require a high level of PF force (4). The purpose
of this work was to study the effect of a 6-month strength training programme on the
steadiness of upright standing in bipedal and one leg stance in older adults.

Methods

Forty-one older adults (>60 yrs) completed the study. One group (n=21) performed strength
training (2 sessions/week) of lower limb muscles for 24 weeks and the other 20 subjects
composed a control group. The maximal torque of PF and dorsiflexors (DF) was assessed
during maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) performed in isometric condition. The mean
centre of pressure (CoP) velocity, forward-backward maximal amplitude (F-Bmax), and
standard deviation (F-Bsd) of CoP were analysed while subjects stood upright on a force
platform on one or two legs. The surface electromyogramme (EMG) of different leg muscles
were also recorded.

Results

The MVC torque produced by the PF and DF muscles increased (p<0.05) after the training
programme by 32 % and 17%, respectively. The F-Bmax and F-Bsd in the sagittal plan
decreased during one leg stance (-11% and -7%, respectively; p<0.05), whereas no change
was observed during bipedal stance. The PF EMG decreased (p<0.05) after training during
one leg (-16%) and bipedal (-7%) upright standing. The decrease in CoP mean velocity (-
11%) was correlated with the increase in MVC torque of the DF (r²=0.47; p<0.001) and the
decrease in tibialis anterior EMG (r²=0.22; p<0.05) during one leg stance.

Discussion

In agreement with our hypothesis, strength training of lower limb muscles increased upright
standing steadiness only when performed on one leg. Furthermore, the relation between the
decrease in tibialis anterior EMG and the CoP mean velocity suggests that reducing the
activity of ankle DF muscles may help controlling upright standing, by improving its role in
providing relevant proprioceptive information (2). These results indicate that strength training
 should be included in fall prevention programmes to improve balance control in more
demanding physically daily activities.

References

1.Billot et al. (2010). Eur J Appl Physiol.109:669-80

2.DiGuilio et al. (2009). J Physiol.587:2399-416

3.Orr et al. (2008). Sports Med.38:317-43

4.Vandervoort & McComas (1986). J Appl Physiol.61:361-7

Severine.Stragier@ulb.ac.be

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