The Effect of a Short-Term Balance Training Program on Postural Control and Functional Balance Performance in Active Older Adults

Background: Balance impairment is a major contributor to falls, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life in older adults. Short-term balance training has been proposed as a practical intervention, especially for active older adults who may have limited time for long-term programs. This study aimed to examine the effects of a four-week balance training program on postural control and functional balance performance in active older adults.Methods: Thirty active older adults aged ۶۵–۷۵ years were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to training (n=۱۵) and control (n=۱۵) groups. Balance performance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Stork Stand Test. The training group completed a four-week balance training program (three sessions per week, ۳۰ minutes per session), including single-leg stance, linear walking, unstable-surface exercises, weight shifting, and controlled turns. The control group maintained their usual daily activities. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests at a significance level of ۰.۰۵.Results: Significant improvements were observed in the training group for TUG (p<۰.۰۰۱), BBS (p<۰.۰۰۱), and single-leg stance (p<۰.۰۰۱), while no significant changes occurred in the control group. Between-group comparisons confirmed the effectiveness of the training program.Conclusion: The four-week balance training program effectively enhanced postural control and functional balance in active older adults. Short-term balance interventions may serve as practical, low-cost strategies for reducing fall risk and improving mobility in this population

کلیدواژه ها:

Balance ، Active older adults ، Postural control ، Balance training ، Functional performance