Balance Enhancement in Older Adults: Is Functional-Task Training Better Than Resistance Training in Enhancing Balance in Older Adults?

Background and purpose The effects of various exercise training programs on balance in older adults are well established. This study aimed to compare the effect of functional-task training with resistance training in improving balance performance in older adults. Methods A total of 100 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and above were randomly allocated into two groups: functional-task training (FTT) group and resistance training (RT) group. The FTT group (n = 50) performed functional task exercises and the RT group (n = 50) performed resistance exercises three times a week for 12 weeks. Balance was evaluated before and after the trial using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Results A total of 87 subjects who completed the study were analyzed. Both the groups showed a significant change in BBS and TUG test (p < 0.05) from baseline to 12 weeks. However, post-intervention analysis between the groups showed a significant difference in both the BBS and TUG test (p < 0.05), i.e. improvement in the FTT group was better than the RE group at the end of training. Conclusion Both the FTT and RT were effective in improving balance. However, the improvement achieved by the FTT group was better than the RT group.