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1- Department of Sports Injuries, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
2- Department of Sports Injuries, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. ,gh.ghasemi@spr.ui.ac.ir
2- Department of Sports Injuries, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. ,
Abstract: (39 Views)
Objectives: Although both core stability and reactive exercises appear to be effective in improving balance and stability in the elderly, the combined effect of these two types of exercise on the balance and fear of falling in older adults has not been previously investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effects of reactive core stability training and conventional core stability training on postural control and fall risk in elderly women.
Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial with a pre-test/post-test design, 36 healthy elderly women aged 65 to 75 years from Isfahan city were voluntarily selected based on inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to three 12-person groups: conventional core stability exercises, reactive core stability exercises, and control. In the pre-test (one week before the intervention) and post-test (48 hours after the intervention) phases, participants' postural control and fall risk were assessed using a foot scan and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) questionnaire, respectively. During the eight-week training phase, consisting of three 45-minute sessions per week, the exercise groups performed their respective routines, while the control group continued their daily activities. Data were analyzed using composite analysis of variance (p<0.05).
Results: The results of the present study showed that both conventional and reactive core stability exercises had a significant effect on improving postural control and reducing fall risk in elderly women (p<0.05). Further results indicated that reactive core stability exercises, compared to conventional ones, led to greater improvement in postural control and reduction in fall risk in elderly women (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Therefore, based on the findings, activating core muscles under reactive and controlled perturbation conditions can enhance the body's ability to respond rapidly to postural changes and more effectively reduce the risk of falling.
Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial with a pre-test/post-test design, 36 healthy elderly women aged 65 to 75 years from Isfahan city were voluntarily selected based on inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to three 12-person groups: conventional core stability exercises, reactive core stability exercises, and control. In the pre-test (one week before the intervention) and post-test (48 hours after the intervention) phases, participants' postural control and fall risk were assessed using a foot scan and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) questionnaire, respectively. During the eight-week training phase, consisting of three 45-minute sessions per week, the exercise groups performed their respective routines, while the control group continued their daily activities. Data were analyzed using composite analysis of variance (p<0.05).
Results: The results of the present study showed that both conventional and reactive core stability exercises had a significant effect on improving postural control and reducing fall risk in elderly women (p<0.05). Further results indicated that reactive core stability exercises, compared to conventional ones, led to greater improvement in postural control and reduction in fall risk in elderly women (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Therefore, based on the findings, activating core muscles under reactive and controlled perturbation conditions can enhance the body's ability to respond rapidly to postural changes and more effectively reduce the risk of falling.
Keywords: Exercise training, Perturbation, Compensatory strategy, Postural balance, Stability, Aging
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Rehabilitation Management
Received: 2025/11/29 | Accepted: 2026/06/01
Received: 2025/11/29 | Accepted: 2026/06/01
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