The Effect of Plyometric Training on the Balance Ability of the Lower Limbs in the Elderly
Condition: Plyometric Exercise; Elderly; Balance
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      For the elderly using plyometric training, there are very few studies on strengthening the
      explosive power of the lower limbs of the elderly. For example, past studies have explored
      the effect of high-speed and low-speed plyometric training on the improvement of muscle
      contraction speed in the elderly over 60 years old. From the past researches, the study found
      that compared with low-speed training, High-speed training can not only improve muscle
      strength, but also effectively increase muscle speed and improve life functions. However,
      studies using plyometric training to improve lower body balance in older adults are scarce
      and the evidence is scant. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the clinical
      benefits of plyometric training for improving the balance ability of the lower limbs in the
      elderly.
    

Detailed description: 
      Plyometric training is an exercise method that has gained significant popularity in recent
      years for effectively enhancing explosive power in the lower limbs. It involves rapid and
      forceful muscle contractions following a quick stretch. This type of training enables the
      body to generate maximum muscle strength for short durations during exercise. As individuals
      age, their ability to produce explosive power decreases, particularly in the lower limbs.
      This decline in explosive power can result in reduced responsiveness to sudden balance
      disturbances, leading to falls among the elderly and greatly impacting their daily
      activities. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a 10-week
      plyometric training program on the balance ability of the lower limbs in elderly individuals.

      A total of 38 elderly participants, aged between 65 and 89 years, were randomly assigned to
      either the experimental group (N=19) or the control group (N=19). The experimental group
      underwent plyometric training three times a week, performing three rounds each session, for a
      total intervention period of 10 weeks. The control group, on the other hand, engaged in
      regular exercises during the same intervention period. Before and after the training program,
      both groups underwent assessments to evaluate their balance abilities, which included the
      30-second sit-to-stand test, time up and go test (TUG), functional reach test (FRT), and
      lower extremity explosiveness test. To analyze the data, SPSS 18.0 statistical software was
      used. Independent sample t-tests were employed to compare the baseline values between the two
      groups and to determine the differences in the 30-second sit-to-stand test, TUG, FRT, and
      force plate maximum reaction force values after the intervention. Paired samples t-tests were
      conducted to assess changes in balance performance from pre-test to post-test. The
      statistical significance level (α) was set at 0.05.
    

Intervention name(s): Plyometric exercises; Regulation Exercises Program
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): High knee lifts, squat jumps, lunge cross jumps, squat jumping lunges, and squat jump twists are examples of plyometric exercises suitable for older adults.; The regulated exercise program includes the use of elastic bands, Qigong, and dance et al.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: The experimental group underwent plyometric training three times a week, performing three rounds each session, for a total intervention period of 10 weeks. The control group, on the other hand, engaged in regular exercises during the same intervention period. Before and after the training program, both groups underwent assessments to evaluate their balance abilities, which included the 30-second sit-to-stand test, time up and go test (TUG), functional reach test (FRT), and lower extremity explosiveness test.
Masking: Double (Care Provider, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment