Additive effects of strength and balance training - comparison of three fall prevention interventions with seniors

A large number of epidemiological studies show that the frequency of falls increases significantly with advancing age. Almost ¼ of people over 65 fall at least once a year. Among the over 75s, the frequency increases to over 40% (Granacher, Gruber & Gollhofer, 2009). The consequences are serious both for those who fall in the form of a reduced quality of life and for the healthcare system in terms of the financial costs associated with falls. The causes of falls are manifold, such as muscular weaknesses, impaired balance, impaired vision, reduced motor control, loss of coordination or cognitive dysfunction.

Studies investigating suitable fall prevention methods have so far demonstrated positive effects of strength training (e.g. Granacher, Muehlbauer & Gruber, 2012), sensorimotor training and balance training (e.g. Steadman, Donaldson & Kalra, 2003), as well as dancing and tai chi (Granacher, Muehlbauer, Bridenbaugh, Wolf, Roth, Gschwind, Wolf, Mata & Kressig, 2012). Little is known about the effects of a combination of balance training and strength training, in particular weight training with instability, on fall prevention.

We assume that load training under unstable conditions achieves greater effects (reduction of fall risk factors) than 'traditional' strength training due to the additive effects of strength and balance training.