A 24-Week Combined Resistance and Balance Training Program Improves Physical Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of combined resistance and balance training (RBT) versus resistance training (RT) alone and no exercise on physical function in older adults.
Results Summary
RBT significantly improved dynamic balance, walking speed, muscle strength, and spirometry compared to no exercise, with additional benefits over RT in balance and lower limb strength. Only RBT improved normal walking speed.
Population
Community-dwelling adults aged 60-74 years.
Effective Dosage
45 minutes, 3 times per week.
Duration
24 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
combined resistance and balance training (RBT) | increase | dynamic balance | older adults | - | significantly improved | #1 |
combined resistance and balance training (RBT) | increase | maximum walking speed | older adults | - | significantly improved | #2 |
combined resistance and balance training (RBT) | increase | upper extremity muscle strength | older adults | - | significantly improved | #3 |
combined resistance and balance training (RBT) | increase | lower extremity muscle strength | older adults | - | significantly improved | #4 |
combined resistance and balance training (RBT) | increase | spirometry | older adults | - | significantly improved | #5 |
combined resistance and balance training (RBT) | increase | normal walking speed | older adults | - | showed significant improvement | #6 |
resistance training (RT) | increase | dynamic balance | older adults | - | significantly improved | #7 |
resistance training (RT) | increase | maximum walking speed | older adults | - | significantly improved | #8 |
resistance training (RT) | increase | upper extremity muscle strength | older adults | - | significantly improved | #9 |
resistance training (RT) | increase | lower extremity muscle strength | older adults | - | significantly improved | #10 |
resistance training (RT) | increase | spirometry | older adults | - | significantly improved | #11 |
combined resistance and balance training (RBT) | increase | dynamic balance | older adults | - | showed additional significant improvements | #12 |
combined resistance and balance training (RBT) | increase | lower limb muscle strength | older adults | - | showed additional significant improvements | #13 |
combined resistance and balance training (RBT) | no change | - | older adults | - | was safe and feasible | #14 |
combined resistance and balance training (RBT) | increase | physical function | older adults | - | had better effects | #15 |
combined resistance and balance training (RBT) | increase | dynamic balance | older adults | - | additionally benefited | #16 |
combined resistance and balance training (RBT) | increase | lower limb muscle function | older adults | - | additionally benefited | #17 |
Jiang, G, Tan, X, Zou, J, and Wu, X. A 24-week combined resistance and balance training program improves physical function in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 39(1): e62-e69, 2025-This randomized controlled trial assessed the feasibility of older adults performing combined resistance and balance training (RBT) and compared the effects of RBT on physical function with those of resistance training (RT) alone and with no exercise training in older adults. In total, 65 community-dwelling adults aged 60-74 years were randomly assigned to an RT (n = 22), RBT (n = 22), or control (n = 21) group. The exercise intervention consisted of RT or RBT for 45 minutes, 3 times per week for 24 weeks. The control group engaged in no exercise training. The compliance rates were 93% in the RT group and 92% in the RBT group. No training-related adverse effect was observed. In the RT and RBT groups, dynamic balance (p = 0.017; p < 0.001, respectively), maximum walking speed (p = 0.014; p < 0.001), upper extremity (p = 0.013; p = 0.009) and lower extremity (p = 0.009; p < 0.001) muscle strength, and spirometry (p = 0.043; p = 0.018) were significantly improved at 24 weeks compared with the control group. Only the RBT group showed significant improvement in normal walking speed (p = 0.002). Compared with the RT group, the RBT group showed additional significant improvements in dynamic balance (p = 0.001) and lower limb muscle strength (p = 0.027). The findings of this randomized controlled trial indicated that RBT was safe and feasible for older adults. Long-term RBT had better effects than either no exercise training or RT alone on improving physical function in older adults. Compared with RT, RBT additionally benefited dynamic balance and lower limb muscle function, which are clinically important factors in preventing falls, frailty, disability, and other geriatric syndromes.