Inclusion Criteria:  women, community-dwelling, had no contraindications to participation in physical activity, scored at least 8 on the Abbreviated Mental Ability Test .  Exclusion Criteria:  taking medications that may interfere with natural control of postural stability, users of orthopaedic equipment, patients with neurological disease (Parkinson's or Alzheimer's), patients with significant visual and/or auditory perception impairment, subjects who undertake or have undertaken regular physical activity in the past three years