Balance Specific Training in Water and on Land in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Authors

Robyn Lin Anderson, Alma CollegeFollow
Elizabeth Fishback, Alma College

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.04.03.08

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of water and land based balance specific exercise in older adults. Twelve participants engaged in either water (W) or land (L) exercise consisting of a standard class and balance training. Both classes exercised for 60 minutes, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Balance tests were administered pre- and postintervention. A 2x2 factorial ANOVA with repeated measures on the second factor (p < .05) demonstrated that participants of both groups improved significantly in functional reach, times “up & go,” step test right and left leg, and 6-min walk. No changes were found in tandem gait, one-leg stance or between the exercise conditions. These results suggest that when both water and land-based programs focus on balance specific training the mode of exercise is less important than the specificity of the intervention. I conclude that water exercise is an important mode to consider for improving balance in older adults due to the supporting nature and the safe exercise environment of the water.

Recommended Citation

Anderson, Robyn Lin and Fishback, Elizabeth (2010) "Balance Specific Training in Water and on Land in Older Adults: A Pilot Study," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 4: No. 3, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.04.03.08
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol4/iss3/8