Wii-habilitation as balance therapy for children with acquired brain injury Xbox Kinect training to improve clinical measures of balance in older adults: a pilot study The effects of soccer training and timing of balance training on balance ability Effect of high-intensity strength-training on functional measures of balance ability in balance-impaired older adults. Effects of feedback-based balance and core resistance training vs. Pilates training on balance and muscle function in older women: a randomized-controlled trial. Preventative effect of exercise against falls in the elderly: a randomized controlled trial Balance Confidence Improves with Resistance or Agility Training Comparative Effects of Home- and Group-Based Exercise on Balance Confidence and Balance Ability in Older Adults: Cluster Randomized Trial Effectiveness of a home-based balance-training program in reducing sports-related injuries among healthy adolescents: a cluster randomized controlled trial [Effects of Acupuncture Intervention Combined with Rehabilitation on Standing-balance-walking Ability in Stroke Patients]. Integrated Injury Prevention Program Improves Balance and Vertical Jump Height in Children Exercise training for rehabilitation and secondary prevention of falls in geriatric patients with a history of injurious falls. A Wii Bit of Fun: A Novel Platform to Deliver Effective Balance Training to Older Adults Efficacy of treatment with a kinaesthetic ability training device on balance and mobility after stroke: a randomized controlled study A randomized trial of functional electrical stimulation for walking in incomplete spinal cord injury: Effects on walking competency Effects of balance training using a virtual-reality system in older fallers Multisensory training of standing balance in older adults: I. Postural stability and one-leg stance balance. A Randomised Controlled Trial of Proprioceptive and Balance Training after Surgical Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Balance improvements in female high school basketball players after a 6-week neuromuscular-training program. Effect of intense strength training on standing balance, walking speed, and sit-to-stand performance in older adults. Does Tai Chi improve plantar sensory ability? A pilot study. The Effects of Tai Chi on Markers of Atherosclerosis, Lower-limb Physical Function, and Cognitive Ability in Adults Aged Over 60: A Randomized Controlled Trial A Soccer-Specific Balance Training Program for Hamstring Muscle and Patellar and Achilles Tendon Injuries
Purpose : To evaluate the effectiveness of the Nintendo Wii compared to traditional balance therapy in improving balance , motivation , and functional ability in children undergoing acute rehabilitation after brain injury . Methods : A non-concurrent , r and omized multiple baseline single-subject research design was used with three participants . Data were analyzed by visual inspection of trend lines . Results : Daily Wii balance training was equally motivating to traditional balance therapy for two participants and more motivating for one participant . While improvements in dynamic balance were observed , the results for static balance remain inconclusive . All participants demonstrated improvements in functional ability . Conclusion : Wii balance therapy is a safe , feasible , and motivating intervention for children undergoing acute rehabilitation after an acquired brain injury . Further research to examine the effectiveness of Wii balance therapy in this population is warranted Background Falls are a leading cause of injury and death for old adults , with one risk factor for falls being balance deficits . The low cost ( < 400 USD ) , wide availability , and ability to incorporate multiple training paradigms make gaming systems appealing as possible balance intervention tools . Aims To investigate the feasibility of using the Xbox Kinect for training to improve clinical measures of balance in old adults and retain improvements after a period of time . Methods Thirteen healthy old adults ( aged 70 + years ) were r and omly divided into two groups . The experimental group completed Kinect training three times a week for 3 weeks while the control group continued with normal activities . Four clinical measures of balance were assessed before training , 1 week and 1 month after training : Berg balance scale ( BBS ) , Fullerton advanced balance ( FAB ) scale , functional reach ( FR ) , and timed up and go ( TUG ) . Results The ability to implement the training program was successful . The experimental group significantly increased their BBS and FAB after training while the control group did not . There was no significant change for either groups with FR and TUG . Conclusion A training program using the Kinect with commercially available games was feasible with old adults . Kinect training may be an inexpensive way for old adults to receive helpful feedback encouraging them to continue with balance training program in their home The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a soccer training session on the balance ability of the players and assess whether the effectiveness of a balance program is affected by its performance before or after the regular soccer training . Thirty-nine soccer players were r and omly divided into three subject groups ( n=13 each ) , one control group ( C group ) , one training group that followed a balance program ( 12 weeks , 3 times per week , 20 min per session ) before the regular soccer training ( TxB group ) , and one training group that performed the same balance program after the soccer training ( TxA group ) . St and ard testing balance boards and the Biodex Stability System were used to assess balance ability in the C , TxB , and TxA groups at baseline ( T0 ) and after completing the balance program ( T12 ) . The same tests and additional isokinetic knee joint moment measurements were carried out in the TxB and TxA groups pre- and post-soccer training . Two main results were obtained : ( 1 ) No differences ( p>0.05 ) were found in balance ability and knee joint moment production between pre- and post-soccer training . ( 2 ) The balance program increased ( p<0.01 ) the balance ability in the TxB and TxA groups , and the improvement in the TxA group was greater ( p<0.05 ) than that in the TxB group post-soccer training . Result ( 1 ) is in contrast to the notion of a link between fatigue induced by a soccer training session or game and injury caused by impaired balance , and result ( 2 ) has implication s for athletic training and rehabilitation OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 10-week , high-intensity strength-training program targeting key lower extremity muscles for the purpose of improving postural control in balance-impaired older adults . METHODS A quasi-experimental , delayed entry controlled design was used to evaluate balance ability in balance-impaired older adults after participation in 10 weeks of high-intensity strength training focused on the quadriceps , hamstrings , tibialis anterior , and gastrocnemius muscles . Participants were evaluated using vali date d clinical measures of functional balance ability : the Berg Balance Scale , the Timed Up and Go , and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale . RESULTS After strength training , the exercisers were significantly stronger than the control subjects . They improved significantly on the Berg Balance Scale ( P = .030 ) from a mean score of 48.8 + /- 2.4 of 56 before training to 51.2 + /- 4.3 of 56 after training . The Timed Up and Go ( P = .045 ) and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale ( P = .038 ) also improved significantly in the experimental group . These changes are associated with a decrease in fall risk . CONCLUSIONS High-intensity strength training can safely and effectively strengthen lower extremity muscles in balance-impaired older adults , result ing in significant improvements in functional balance ability and decreased fall risk BACKGROUND Aging is associated with decline in physical function that could result in the development of physical impairment and disability . Hence , interventions that simultaneously challenge balance ability , trunk ( core ) and extremity strength of older adults could be particularly effective in preserving and enhancing these physical functions . OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of feedback-based balance and core resistance training utilizing the a special computer-controlled device ( Huber ® ) with the conventional Pilates training on balance ability , neuromuscular function and body composition of healthy older women . METHODS Thirty-four older women ( age : 70±4 years ) were r and omly assigned to a  Huber group ( n=17 ) or Pilates group  ( n=17 ) . Both groups trained for 8 weeks , 3 times a week . Maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors , extensors , and lateral flexors , leg power , upper-body strength , single- and dual-task static balance , and body composition were measured before and after the intervention programs . RESULTS Significant group × time interactions and main effects of time ( p<0.05 ) were found for body composition , balance ability in st and ard and dual-task conditions , all trunk muscle strength variables , and leg power in favor of the Huber group . The observed improvements in balance ability under both st and ard and dual-task conditions in the Huber group were mainly the result of enhanced postural control in medial-lateral direction ( p<0.05 ) . CONCLUSION Feedback-based balance and core resistance training proved to be more effective in improving single- and dual-task balance ability , trunk muscle strength , leg power , and body composition of healthy older women than the traditional Pilates training Summary The present study was conducted to determine the effect of 5-month exercise program on the prevention of falls in the elderly . The exercise training , which consisted of calisthenics , body balance training , muscle power training , and walking ability training 3 days/week improved the indices of the flexibility , body balance , muscle power , and walking ability and reduced the incidence of falls compared with non-exercise controls . The present study showed the beneficial effect of the exercise program aim ed at improving flexibility , body balance , muscle power , and walking ability in preventing falls in the elderly . Introduction The present study was conducted to determine the effect of exercise on the prevention of falls in the elderly . Methods Sixty-eight elderly ambulatory volunteers were r and omly divided into two groups : the exercise and control groups . The daily exercise , which consisted of calisthenics , body balance training ( t and em st and ing , t and em gait , and unipedal st and ing ) , muscle power training ( chair-rising training ) , and walking ability training ( stepping ) , were performed 3 days/week only in the exercise group . No exercise was performed in the control group . Results After the 5-month exercise program , the indices of the flexibility , body balance , muscle power , and walking ability significantly improved in the exercise group compared with the control group . The incidence of falls was significantly lower in the exercise group than in the control group ( 0.0 % vs. 12.1 % , P = 0.0363 ) . The exercise program was safe and well tolerated in the elderly . Conclusions The present study showed the beneficial effect of the exercise program aim ed at improving flexibility , body balance , muscle power , and walking ability in preventing falls in the elderly Background : While the fear of falling is a common psychological consequence of falling , older adults who have not fallen also frequently report this fear . Fear of falling can lead to activity restriction that is self-imposed rather than due to actual physical impairments . Evidence suggests that exercise can significantly improve balance confidence , as measured by falls-related self-efficacy scales . However , there are no prospect i ve reports that correlate change in balance confidence with changes in fall risk and physical abilities as induced by participating in a group-based exercise program . Objective : The primary purpose of this prospect i ve study was to examine the relationship between the change in balance confidence and the changes in fall risk and physical abilities in older women with confirmed low bone mass after 13 weeks of exercise participation . The secondary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the change in balance confidence and the change in physical activity level . Methods : The sample comprised 98 women aged 75–85 years with low bone mass . Participants were r and omly assigned to one of three groups : resistance training ( n = 32 ) , agility training ( n = 34 ) , and stretching ( sham ) exercises ( n = 32 ) . The 50-min exercise classes for each study arm were held twice weekly at a local YMCA community centre . Results : Both resistance training and agility training significantly improved balance confidence by 6 % from baseline after 13 weeks . However , the change in balance confidence was only weakly correlated with improved general physical function and not significantly correlated with the changes in fall risk score , postural stability , gait speed , or physical activity level . As well , we observed balance confidence enhancement in the presence of increased fall risk or deterioration in physical abilities . Conclusions : Two different types of exercise training  improved balance confidence in older women with low bone mass . This change in balance confidence was significantly correlated with change in general physical function . Because of the observation of discordance between balance confidence change and changes in fall risk and physical abilities , those who design group-based exercise programs for community-dwelling older adults may wish to consider including an education component on factors that influence fear of falling . Objective changes in fall risk factors can not be assumed to mirror change in fear of falling and physical abilities in older adults in the short-term Background : Exercise can modify fall risk factors such as balance and mobility impairments . However , can exercise improve balance confidence ? In one strength-training study , research ers reported that a change in balance confidence was not uniformly associated with changes in objective measures of fall risk or physical performance . In fact , some participants ’ balance confidence decreased while their physical abilities increased and vice versa . Objective : The aim of this study was to compare changes in balance confidence and balance ability result ing from three exercise interventions ( home-based resistance and balance training ( RBT ) , group-based RBT and group-based walking ) , and the concomitant relationships between change in balance confidence and change in ability . It was hypothesized that participants in the group-based RBT program would improve their balance confidence and performance more than those in the home-based or walking programs . Methods : In a cluster-r and omized design , nine retirement villages were assigned to one of the three exercise groups . One hundred and sixty-seven independent-living residents ( aged 65–96 years ) participated . Each group exercised twice weekly for 20 weeks . Objective balance ability was measured using timed t and em and one-leg st and s ( static balance ) , and the 8-foot ( 2.5 m ) up- and -go test ( dynamic balance/agility ) . Balance confidence was assessed using the self-report Activities-specific Balance Confidence ( ABC ) Scale . Results : Participants in the group-based RBT program improved their static balance scores more than those in the home-based program ; however , improvements in balance confidence were greater among participants in the home-based program ( all p < 0.05 ) . Discordance between static balance and balance confidence change scores was evident for up to 20 % of participants . Change in ABC score was weakly correlated with a change in the up- and -go test score . Conclusions : Exercise training can improve balance confidence and balance ability in retirement village residents . However , as has been shown previously , this study found that exercise interventions may improve balance ability without associated increases in balance confidence and vice versa . Whether the ABC score and balance ability can be enhanced by providing a tailored intervention to improve balance confidence in combination with a RBT program requires further study Background : Sport is the leading cause of injury requiring medical attention among adolescents . We studied the effectiveness of a home-based balance-training program using a wobble board in improving static and dynamic balance and reducing sports-related injuries among healthy adolescents . Methods : In this cluster r and omized controlled trial , we r and omly selected 10 of 15 high schools in Calgary to participate in the fall of 2001 . We then recruited students from physical education classes and r and omly assigned them , by school , to either the intervention ( n = 66 ) or the control ( n = 61 ) group . Students in the intervention group participated in a daily 6-week and then a weekly 6-month home-based balance-training program using a wobble board .  Students at the control schools received testing only . The primary outcome measures were timed static and dynamic balance , 20-m shuttle run and vertical jump , which were measured at baseline and biweekly for 6 weeks . Self-reported injury data were collected over the 6-month follow-up period . Results : At 6 weeks , improvements in static and dynamic balance were observed in the intervention group but not in the control group ( difference in static balance 20.7 seconds , 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] 10.8 to 30.6 seconds ; difference in dynamic balance 2.3 seconds , 95 % CI 0.7 to 4.0 seconds ) . There was evidence of a protective effect of balance training in over 6 months ( relative risk of injury 0.2 , 95 % CI 0.05 to 0.88 ) . The number needed to treat to avoid 1 injury over 6 months was 8 ( 95 % CI 4 to 35 ) . Interpretation : Balance training using a wobble board is effective in improving static and dynamic balance and reducing sports-related injuries among healthy adolescents OBJECTIVE To observe the influence of acupuncture stimulation of lateral side of Tianzhu ( para-BL 10 ) , electroacupuncture ( EA ) stimulation of scalp-point Balance Area ( MS 14 ) , Motor Area ( MS 6 ) and body acupoints combined with rehabilitation training on st and ing-balance and walking ability in stroke patients . METHODS A total of 145 stroke in patients were r and omly assigned to rehabilitation group ( n=48 ) , routine acupuncture group ( n=49 ) and para-BL10 group ( n = 48 ) . Patients of the rehabilitation group received balance training and routine rehabilitation training treatment , those of the routine acupuncture group received acupuncture stimulation of scalp-points ( MS 14 , MS 6 ) , body acupoints , balance training and routine rehabilitation training , and those of the para-BL10 group received acupuncture stimulation of lateral side of BL 10 combined with scalp-points of MS 14 and MS 6 and body acupoints , and balance training and routine rehabilitation training . The treatment was conducted once daily , 5 times per week , 8 weeks altogether . The patients ' balancing function , lower-limb motor function and walking ability were assessed using Berg Balance Scale ( BBS ) , Sheikh Trunk Control Ability Scale(STCAS ) , Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale ( FMAS ) , and Holden Functional Ambulation Classification ( FAC ) , respectively . RESULTS After 4 and 8 weeks ' treatment , the scores of BBS , STCAS , FMAS and FAC in patients of the rehabilitation , routine acupuncture and para-BL10 groups were significantly increased and 10 meters-walking time obviously reduced in comparison with pre-treatment in the same one group ( P<0.01 ) . The effects of acupuncture stimulation of para-BL 10 were considerably better than both rehabilitation and routine acupuncture groups in raising BBS , STCAS , FMAS and FAC scores and in reducing 10 m-walking time ( P<0.05 ) . CONCLUSION Acupuncture stimulation of lateral side of BL 10 combined with scalp-points has a significant benefit for stroke patients in st and ing-balance ability and walking ability DiStefano , LJ , Padua , DA , Blackburn , JT , Garrett , WE , Guskiewicz , KM , and Marshall , SW . Integrated injury prevention program improves balance and vertical jump height  in children . J Strength Cond Res 24(2 ) : 332 - 342 , 2010-Implementing an injury prevention program to athletes under age 12 years may reduce injury rates . There is limited knowledge regarding whether these young athletes will be able to modify balance and performance measures after completing a traditional program that has been effective with older athletes or whether they require a specialized program for their age . The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a pediatric program , which was design ed specifically for young athletes , and a traditional program with no program in the ability to change balance and performance measures in youth athletes . We used a cluster-r and omized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of the programs before and after a 9-week intervention period . Sixty-five youth soccer athletes ( males : n = 37 mass = 34.16 ± 5.36 kg , height = 143.07 ± 6.27 cm , age = 10 ± 1 yr ; females : n = 28 mass = 33.82 ± 5.37 kg , height = 141.02 ± 6.59 cm ) volunteered to participate and attended 2 testing sessions in a research laboratory . Teams were cluster-r and omized to either a pediatric or traditional injury prevention program or a control group . Change scores for anterior-posterior and medial-lateral time-to-stabilization measures and maximum vertical jump height and power were calculated from pretest and post-test sessions . Contrary with our original hypotheses , the traditional program result ed in positive changes , whereas the pediatric program did not result in any improvements . Anterior-posterior time-to-stabilization decreased after the traditional program ( mean change ± SD = −0.92 ± 0.49 s ) compared with the control group ( −0.49 ± 0.59 s ) ( p = 0.003 ) . The traditional program also increased vertical jump height ( 1.70 ± 2.80 cm ) compared with the control group ( 0.20 ± 0.20 cm ) ( p = 0.04 ) . There were no significant differences between control and pediatric programs . Youth athletes can improve balance ability and vertical jump height after completing an injury prevention program . Training specificity appears to affect improvements and should be considered with future program design OBJECTIVE To determine the safety and efficacy of an exercise protocol design ed to improve strength , mobility , and balance and to reduce subsequent falls in geriatric patients with a history of injurious falls . DESIGN A r and omized controlled 3-month intervention trial , with an additional 3-month follow-up . SETTING Out-patient geriatric rehabilitation unit . PARTICIPANTS Fifty-seven female geriatric patients ( mean age 82 + /- 4.8 years ; range 75 - 90 ) admitted to acute care or inpatient rehabilitation with a history of recurrent or injurious falls including patients with acute fall-related fracture . INTERVENTION Ambulatory training of strength , functional performance , and balance 3 times per week for 3 months . Patients of the control group attended a placebo group 3 times a week for 3 months . Both groups received an identical physiotherapeutic treatment 2 times a week , in which strengthening and balance training were excluded . MEASUREMENTS Strength , functional ability , motor function , psychological parameters , and fall rates were assessed by st and ardized protocol s at the beginning ( T1 ) and the end ( T2 ) of intervention . Patients were followed up for 3 months after the intervention ( T3 ) . RESULTS No training-related medical problems occurred in the study group . Forty-five patients ( 79 % ) completed all assessment s after the intervention and follow-up period . Adherence was excellent in both groups ( intervention 85.4 + /- 27.8 % vs control 84.2 + /- 29.3 % ) . The patients in the intervention group increased strength , functional motor performance , and balance significantly . Fall-related behavioral and emotional restrictions were reduced significantly . Improvements persisted during the 3-month follow-up with only moderate losses . For patients of the control group , no change in strength , functional performance , or emotional status could be documented during intervention and follow-up . Fall incidence was reduced nonsignificantly by 25 % in the intervention group compared with the control group ( RR:0.753 CI:0.455 - 1.245 ) . CONCLUSIONS Progressive resistance training and progressive functional training are safe and effective methods of increasing strength and functional performance and reducing fall-related behavioral and emotional restrictions during ambulant rehabilitation in frail , high-risk geriatric patients with a history of injurious falls Abstract Background : Falls and fall-related injuries are symptomatic of an aging population . This study aim ed to design , develop , and deliver a novel method of balance training , using an interactive game-based system to promote engagement , with the inclusion of older adults at both high and low risk of experiencing a fall . Study Design : Eighty-two older adults ( 65 years of age and older ) were recruited from sheltered accommodation and local activity groups . Forty volunteers were r and omly selected and received 5 weeks of balance game training ( 5 males , 35 females ; mean , 77.18 ± 6.59 years ) , whereas the remaining control participants recorded levels of physical activity ( 20 males , 22 females ; mean , 76.62 ± 7.28 years ) . The effect of balance game training was measured on levels of functional balance and balance confidence in individuals with and without quantifiable balance impairments . Results : Balance game training had a significant effect on levels of functional balance and balance confidence ( P < 0.05 ) . This was further demonstrated in participants who were deemed at high risk of falls . The overall pattern of results suggests the training program is effective and suitable for individuals at all levels of ability and may therefore play a role in reducing the risk of falls . Conclusions : Commercial hardware can be modified to deliver engaging methods of effective balance assessment and training for the older population Objective : To investigate whether the addition of a kinaesthetic ability training device could enhance the effect of a conventional rehabilitation programme on balance and mobility in hemiparetic patients late after stroke . Design : R and omized , controlled , assessor-blinded trial . Setting : The rehabilitation ward of a university hospital . Thirty hemiparetic patients ( mean age ( SD ) of 57.4 ( 8.1 ) years ) late after stroke ( mean time since stroke ( SD ) 545.2 ( 99.9 ) days ) were assigned r and omly to an experimental or a control group . Interventions : The control group ( n = 15 ) participated in a conventional rehabilitation programme . The experimental group ( n = 15 ) participated in balance training with a kinaesthetic ability training device in addition to a conventional rehabilitation programme for four weeks , five days a week . Outcome measures : Kinaesthetic ability training static and dynamic balance indices , balance and lower extremity subscores of the Fugl-Meyer Stroke Assessment Instrument ( FMA ) , total motor and locomotor subitem scores of the Functional Independence Measure ( FIM ) were evaluated at baseline and after treatment . Results : The experimental group had greater improvement in measures of balance including static ( P = 0.045 ) and dynamic balance index ( P = 0.001 ) and FMA balance score ( P = 0.001 ) than the control group . No between-group differences were detected in subscore of FMA , total motor and locomotor subscores of FIM . There were significant improvements in balance subscores of FMA , static and dynamic balance indexes in the experimental group and in sub-item scores of FIM and lower extremity scores of FMA in both groups . Conclusion : Kinaesthetic ability training in addition to a conventional rehabilitation programme is effective in improving balance late after stroke . However , this improvement is not reflected in individual functional status Abstract Background Multi-channel surface functional electrical stimulation ( FES ) for walking has been used to improve voluntary walking and balance in individuals with spinal cord injury ( SCI ) . Objective To investigate short- and long-term benefits of 16 weeks of thrice-weekly FES-assisted walking program , while ambulating on a body weight support treadmill and harness system , versus a non-FES exercise program , on improvements in gait and balance in individuals with chronic incomplete traumatic SCI , in a r and omized controlled trial design . Methods Individuals with traumatic and chronic ( ≥18 months ) motor incomplete SCI ( level C2 to T12 , American Spinal Cord Injury Association Impairment Scale C or D ) were recruited from an outpatient SCI rehabilitation hospital , and r and omized to FES-assisted walking therapy ( intervention group ) or aerobic and resistance training program ( control group ) . Outcomes were assessed at baseline , and after 4 , 6 , and 12 months . Gait , balance , spasticity , and functional measures were collected . Results Spinal cord independence measure ( SCIM ) mobility sub-score improved over time in the intervention group compared with the control group ( baseline/12 months : 17.27/21.33 vs. 19.09/17.36 , respectively ) . On all other outcome measures the intervention and control groups had similar improvements . Irrespective of group allocation walking speed , endurance , and balance during ambulation all improved upon completion of therapy , and majority of participants retained these gains at long-term follow-ups . Conclusions Task-oriented training improves walking ability in individuals with incomplete SCI , even in the chronic stage . Further r and omized controlled trials , involving a large number of participants are needed , to verify if FES-assisted treadmill training is superior to aerobic and strength training Poor balance is considered a challenging risk factor for falls in older adults . Therefore , innovative interventions for balance improvement in this population are greatly needed . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new virtual-reality system ( the Balance Rehabilitation Unit [ BRU ] ) on balance , falls , and fear of falling in a population of community-dwelling older subjects with a known history of falls . In this study , 60 community-dwelling older subjects were recruited after being diagnosed with poor balance at the Falls and Fractures Clinic , Nepean Hospital ( Penrith , NSW , Australia ) . Subjects were r and omly assigned to either the BRU-training or control groups . Both groups received the usual falls prevention care . The BRU-training group attended balance training ( two sessions/week for 6 weeks ) using an established protocol . Change in balance parameters was assessed in the BRU-training group at the end of their 6-week training program . Both groups were assessed 9 months after their initial assessment ( month 0 ) . Adherence to the BRU-training program was 97 % . Balance parameters were significantly improved in the BRU-training group ( P < 0.01 ) . This effect was also associated with a significant reduction in falls and lower levels of fear of falling ( P < 0.01 ) . Some components of balance that were improved by BRU training showed a decline after 9 months post-training . In conclusion , BRU training is an effective and well-accepted intervention to improve balance , increase confidence , and prevent falls in the elderly BACKGROUND The effects of st and ing balance training on the ability to maintain stability in both static two-leg and one-leg stance were tested in healthy older adults . METHODS Subjects ( age range 65 - 90 years ) were r and omly assigned to a  training ( n = 12 ) or  control group ( n = 12 ) . Training subjects received a 10-hour balance training program which selectively manipulated sensory inputs from the visual , vestibular , and somatosensory systems . RESULTS Training subjects showed significantly improved stability ( root-mean-square values of anteroposterior platform torque ) after training in five of the eight training conditions ( when somatosensory inputs were changed or when two or more sensory systems were simultaneously manipulated ) ( p < .006 ) . When tested 4 weeks after completion of training , subjects ( a ) fell less frequently when the ankle/foot somatosensory inputs were minimized and ( b ) stood longer on one leg than the control group ( p < .001 ) . CONCLUSIONS Balance training design ed to improve intersensory interaction could effectively improve balance performance in healthy older adults A r and omised controlled trial ( 29 participants ) was used to compare a 6-week proprioceptive and balance exercise program with a 6-week strengthening program in the early phases of rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament ( ACL ) reconstruction . Measurements of functional activity were taken by a blinded assessor before the intervention and at the end of the 6 weeks . Results demonstrated that there were no significant differences between groups on hop testing at 6 weeks . For several items in the Cincinnati knee rating system and the patient specific functional scale however , the strengthening group improved more than the proprioceptive and balance group ( p < .05 ) . The hypothesis that proprioceptive and balance training would improve functional activity more than strengthening exercises was not supported . There was either no difference between the two forms of exercise or strength training may be more beneficial than proprioceptive and balance training in the early phase of rehabilitation after ACL reconstructive surgery CONTEXT Poor balance has been associated with increased injury risk among athletes .  Neuromuscular-training programs have been advocated as a means of injury prevention , but little is known about the benefits of these programs on balance in high school athletes . OBJECTIVE To determine whether there are balance gains after participation in a neuromuscular-training program in high school athletes . DESIGN Nonr and omized controlled trial . SETTING All data were collected at each participating high school before and after a 6-wk intervention or control period . PARTICIPANTS 62 female high school basketball players recruited from the local high school community and assigned to a training ( n = 37 ) or control ( n = 25 ) group . INTERVENTION Training-group subjects participated in a 6-wk neuromuscular-training program that included plyometric , functional-strengthening , balance , and stability-ball exercises . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Data were collected for the Balance Error Scoring System ( BESS ) and Star Excursion Balance Test ( SEBT ) before and after the 6-wk intervention or control period . RESULTS The authors found a significant decrease in total BESS errors in the trained group at the posttest compared with their pretest and the control group ( P = .003 ) . Trained subjects also scored significantly fewer BESS errors on the single-foam and t and em-foam conditions at the posttest than the control group and demonstrated improvements on the single-foam compared with their pretest ( P = .033 ) . The authors found improvements in reach in the lateral , anteromedial , medial , and posterior directions in the trained group at the posttest compared with the control group ( P < .05 ) using the SEBT . CONCLUSION The study demonstrates that a neuromuscular-training program can increase the balance and proprioceptive capabilities of female high school basketball players and that clinical balance measures are sensitive to detect these differences BACKGROUND Muscle size and strength decrease with aging , and the result ant muscle weakness has been implicated in increased risk of falls in older adults . These falls have large economic and functional costs . METHODS The purpose of this r and omized , controlled study was to determine if an 8-week , 3-day per week intense ( 77.8 + /- 3.4 % of 1-repetition maximum [ 1RM ] ) strength training program could improve functional ability related to the risk of falling in subjects aged 61 - -87 years ( mean 72 , SD 6.3 ) . Twelve strength-training-naive subjects performed two sets of 10 repetitions for six lower body exercises while 12 subjects served as nonintervention controls . Subjects were tested pre- , mid- , and postintervention for strength gain and on three tests of functional ability . RESULTS Postintervention strength was significantly better ( p < .017 ) in all training subjects across all exercises , and no injuries were reported as a result of either training or 1RM testing . After controlling for preintervention differences , repeated measure analysis of covariance ( ANCOVA ) found a significant difference between experimental and nonintervention control subjects for postintervention maximal walking speed [ F(1,19 ) = 5.03 , p < .05 ] . There were no significant between-group differences for 1-leg blind balance time or 5-repetition sit-to-st and performance [ F(1,19 ) = .082 ; F(1,19 ) = .068 , respectively , p > .05 ] . CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that strength training alone does not appear to enhance st and ing balance or sit-to-st and performance in active , community-dwelling older adults but that it may improve maximal walking speed . The relationship between strength gain and risk of falls remains unclear . The data do reinforce the notion that intense strength training is a safe and effective way to increase muscle strength in this population BACKGROUND Aging adversely affects balance and increases the propensity to slip and fall . Loss of plantar sensation due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy and other diseases has been shown to further increase this propensity to fall . The ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi has been previously shown as a method to improve balance in healthy elderly adults . METHODS The aim of this study was to determine if Tai Chi intervention improved both balance and plantar sensory perception in healthy elderly adults and elderly adults with diabetes and plantar sensory loss . Elderly subjects ( mean + /- SD age = 73.1 + /- 5.9 years , n = 18 ) were tested for plantar sensory ability and several balance metrics before Tai Chi training and again after 6 months of weekly sessions . Participants were grouped by initial sensory perception scores ( as measured by a vibrometer ) in order to make inferences on the effects of Tai Chi on sensory perception . RESULTS Plantar sensation results show all participants showed significant improvement in sensory ability with the 6 months of Tai Chi training . All groups also had a general improvement in all balance measures , with the greatest improvement seen in those subjects with large sensory losses . Hemoglobin A1C measurements also decreased as a result of the intervention . CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Tai Chi training as a method of improving plantar sensation and balance in elderly adults and elderly adults with diabetes with a large plantar sensation loss Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi ( TC ) on arterial stiffness , physical function of lower-limb , and cognitive ability in adults aged over 60 . Methods : This study was a prospect i ve and r and omized 12-week intervention trial with three repeated measurements ( baseline , 6 , and 12 weeks ) . Sixty healthy adults who met the inclusion criteria were r and omly allocated into three training conditions ( TC-24 , TC-42 , and TC-56 ) matched by gender , with 20 participants ( 10 males , 10 females ) in each of the three groups . We measured the following health outcomes , including markers of atherosclerosis , physical function ( leg power , and static and dynamic balance ) of lower-limb , and cognitive ability . Results : When all three TC groups ( p < 0.05 ) have showed significant improvements on these outcomes but overall cognitive ability at 6 or 12 weeks training period , TC-56 appears to have superior effects on arterial stiffness and static/dynamic balance in the present study . Conclusions : Study results of the present study add to growing body of evidence regarding therapeutic TC for health promotion and disease prevention in aging population . Future studies should further determine whether TC-42 and TC-56 are beneficial for other non-Chinese population s , with rigorous research design and follow-up assessment Background A soccer-specific balance training has been shown to decrease injury incidence of the anterior cruciate ligament and ankle sprains in r and omized controlled trials . However , hamstring injuries and tendinopathy remain significant issues in soccer . Hypothesis Proprioceptive training can reduce the incidence of hamstring muscle injuries and tendinopathy in elite soccer . There is a dose-effect relationship between balance training duration and injury incidence . Study Design Cohort study ; Level of evidence , 3 . Methods Twenty-four elite female soccer players ( body mass index , 21.7 ± 1.2 ; age , 21 ± 4 years ) of a German premier league soccer team were prospect ively included . Starting in January 2004 , an additional soccer-specific proprioceptive multistation training was initiated over 3 years . Injury data /1000 hours of exposure with documentation of all occurred injuries , detailed training , and match exposure data as well as time loss data were 100 % complete . Results At the end of the 3-year proprioceptive balance training intervention , noncontact hamstring injury rates were reduced from 22.4 to 8.2/1000 hours ( P = .021 ) , patellar tendinopathy from 3.0 to 1.0/1000 hours ( P = .022 ) , and Achilles tendinopathy from 1.5 to 0.0/1000 hours ( P = .035 ) . There was no effect of balance training on contact injuries . Mean time loss of all assessed injuries significantly decreased from 14.4 days during the control period to 1.5 days during intervention periods ( P = .003 ) . The more minutes of balance training performed , the lower the rate of overall injuries ( r = −0.185 , P = .001 ) , hamstring injuries ( r = −0.267 , P = .003 ) , patellar tendinopathy ( r = −0.398 , P = .02 ) , and gastrocnemius strains ( r = −0.342 , P = .002 ) . Conclusion Soccer-specific balance training ( protective balancing ) can reduce noncontact hamstring injuries and patellar and Achilles tendinopathy . A dose-effect relationship between duration of balance training and injury incidence is evident . A proprioceptive training program reduced the rehabilitation time in noncontact injuries , which warrants further investigation
There is strong evidence to suggest that balance training can improve static balance ability on stable and unstable surfaces , as well as dynamic balance ability .
Elite athletes have the potential to improve static balance on an unstable surface and dynamic balance ability , but a ceiling effect appears to occur with stable balance ability on a stable surface .
Balance training programs performed at least 10 minutes per day , 3 days per week , for 4 weeks that incorporate various methods of balance training appear to improve balance ability .
Types of balance training included the use of tilt boards , unstable surfaces , and dynamic body movements while maintaining a static stance
Balance is considered a risk factor for several injuries and consequently a focus of many strengthening , injury prevention , and rehabilitation programs .
There are several studies that have evaluated the ability of balance training to improve balance ability in a healthy population with no general consensus .
We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of balance training on improving various forms of balance ability in a healthy population .