@article{GranacherLacroixMuehlbaueretal.2013,
  author    = {Granacher, Urs and Lacroix, Andre and M{\"u}hlbauer, Thomas and R{\"o}ttger, Katrin and Gollhofer, Albert},
  title     = {Effects of core instability strength training on trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, dynamic balance and functional mobility in older adults},
  series = {Gerontology},
  volume    = {59},
  journal   = {Gerontology},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Karger},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {0304-324X},
  doi       = {10.1159/000343152},
  pages     = {105 -- 113},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Background: Age-related postural misalignment, balance deficits and strength/power losses are associated with impaired functional mobility and an increased risk of falling in seniors. Core instability strength training (CIT) involves exercises that are challenging for both trunk muscles and postural control and may thus have the potential to induce benefits in trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility and balance performance. Objective: The objective was to investigate the effects of CIT on measures of trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, dynamic balance and functional mobility in seniors. Methods: Thirty-two older adults were randomly assigned to an intervention group (INT; n = 16, aged 70.8 +/- 4.1 years) that conducted a 9-week progressive CIT or to a control group (n = 16, aged 70.2 +/- 4.5 years). Maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors/extensors/lateral flexors (right, left)/rotators (right, left) as well as of spinal mobility in the sagittal and the coronal plane was measured before and after the intervention program. Dynamic balance (i.e. walking 10 m on an optoelectric walkway, the Functional Reach test) and functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test) were additionally tested. Results: Program compliance was excellent with participants of the INT group completing 92\% of the training sessions. Significant group x test interactions were found for the maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors (34\%, p < 0.001), extensors (21\%, p < 0.001), lateral flexors (right: 48\%, p < 0.001; left: 53\%, p < 0.001) and left rotators (42\%, p < 0.001) in favor of the INT group. Further, training-related improvements were found for spinal mobility in the sagittal (11\%, p < 0.001) and coronal plane (11\%, p = 0.06) directions, for stride velocity (9\%, p < 0.05), the coefficient of variation in stride velocity (31\%, p < 0.05), the Functional Reach test (20\%, p < 0.05) and the Timed Up and Go test (4\%, p < 0.05) in favor of the INT group. Conclusion: CIT proved to be a feasible exercise program for seniors with a high adherence rate. Age-related deficits in measures of trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, dynamic balance and functional mobility can be mitigated by CIT. This training regimen could be used as an adjunct or even alternative to traditional balance and/or resistance training.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GranacherLacroixRoettgeretal.2014,
  author    = {Granacher, Urs and Lacroix, Andre and Roettger, Katrin and Gollhofer, Albert and M{\"u}hlbauer, Thomas},
  title     = {Relationships between trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, and balance performance in older adults},
  series = {Journal of aging and physical activity},
  volume    = {22},
  journal   = {Journal of aging and physical activity},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {Human Kinetics Publ.},
  address   = {Champaign},
  issn      = {1063-8652},
  doi       = {10.1123/JAPA.2013-0108},
  pages     = {490 -- 498},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {This study investigated associations between variables of trunk muscle strength (TMS), spinal mobility, and balance in seniors. Thirty-four seniors (sex: 18 female, 16 male; age: 70 +/- 4 years; activity level: 13 +/- 7 hr/week) were tested for maximal isometric strength (MIS) of the trunk extensors, flexors, lateral flexors, rotators, spinal mobility, and steady-state, reactive, and proactive balance. Significant correlations were detected between all measures of TMS and static steady-state balance (r = .43.57, p < .05). Significant correlations were observed between specific measures of TMS and dynamic steady-state balance (r = .42.55, p < .05). No significant correlations were found between all variables of TMS and reactive/proactive balance and between all variables of spinal mobility and balance. Regression analyses revealed that TMS explains between 1-33\% of total variance of the respective balance parameters. Findings indicate that TMS is related to measures of steady-state balance which may imply that TMS promoting exercises should be integrated in strength training for seniors.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{GranacherLacroixMuehlbaueretal.2017,
  author    = {Granacher, Urs and Lacroix, Andre and M{\"u}hlbauer, Thomas and Roettger, Katrin and Gollhofer, Albert},
  title     = {Effects of core instability strength training on trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, dynamic balance and functional mobility in older adults},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-399994},
  pages     = {9},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Background: Age-related postural misalignment, balance deficits and strength/power losses are associated with impaired functional mobility and an increased risk of falling in seniors. Core instability strength training (CIT) involves exercises that are challenging for both trunk muscles and postural control and may thus have the potential to induce benefits in trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility and balance performance. Objective: The objective was to investigate the effects of CIT on measures of trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, dynamic balance and functional mobility in seniors. Methods: Thirty-two older adults were randomly assigned to an intervention group (INT; n = 16, aged 70.8 +/- 4.1 years) that conducted a 9-week progressive CIT or to a control group (n = 16, aged 70.2 +/- 4.5 years). Maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors/extensors/lateral flexors (right, left)/rotators (right, left) as well as of spinal mobility in the sagittal and the coronal plane was measured before and after the intervention program. Dynamic balance (i.e. walking 10 m on an optoelectric walkway, the Functional Reach test) and functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test) were additionally tested. Results: Program compliance was excellent with participants of the INT group completing 92\% of the training sessions. Significant group x test interactions were found for the maximal isometric strength of the trunk flexors (34\%, p < 0.001), extensors (21\%, p < 0.001), lateral flexors (right: 48\%, p < 0.001; left: 53\%, p < 0.001) and left rotators (42\%, p < 0.001) in favor of the INT group. Further, training-related improvements were found for spinal mobility in the sagittal (11\%, p < 0.001) and coronal plane (11\%, p = 0.06) directions, for stride velocity (9\%, p < 0.05), the coefficient of variation in stride velocity (31\%, p < 0.05), the Functional Reach test (20\%, p < 0.05) and the Timed Up and Go test (4\%, p < 0.05) in favor of the INT group. Conclusion: CIT proved to be a feasible exercise program for seniors with a high adherence rate. Age-related deficits in measures of trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, dynamic balance and functional mobility can be mitigated by CIT. This training regimen could be used as an adjunct or even alternative to traditional balance and/or resistance training.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{GschwindKressigLacroixetal.2013,
  author    = {Gschwind, Yves J. and Kressig, Reto W. and Lacroix, Andre and M{\"u}hlbauer, Thomas and Pfenninger, Barbara and Granacher, Urs},
  title     = {A best practice fall prevention exercise program to improve balance, strength/power, and psychosocial health in older adults},
  series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {604},
  issn      = {1866-8364},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-42710},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-427104},
  pages     = {15},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Background: With increasing age neuromuscular deficits (e.g., sarcopenia) may result in impaired physical performance and an increased risk for falls. Prominent intrinsic fall-risk factors are age-related decreases in balance and strength / power performance as well as cognitive decline. Additional studies are needed to develop specifically tailored exercise programs for older adults that can easily be implemented into clinical practice. Thus, the objective of the present trial is to assess the effects of a fall prevention program that was developed by an interdisciplinary expert panel on measures of balance, strength / power, body composition, cognition, psychosocial well-being, and falls self-efficacy in healthy older adults. Additionally, the time-related effects of detraining are tested. Methods/Design: Healthy old people (n = 54) between the age of 65 to 80 years will participate in this trial. The testing protocol comprises tests for the assessment of static / dynamic steady-state balance (i.e., Sharpened Romberg Test, instrumented gait analysis), proactive balance (i.e., Functional Reach Test; Timed Up and Go Test), reactive balance (i.e., perturbation test during bipedal stance; Push and Release Test), strength (i.e., hand grip strength test; Chair Stand Test), and power (i.e., Stair Climb Power Test; countermovement jump). Further, body composition will be analysed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis system. In addition, questionnaires for the assessment of psychosocial (i.e., World Health Organisation Quality of Life Assessment-Bref), cognitive (i.e., Mini Mental State Examination), and fall risk determinants (i.e., Fall Efficacy Scale -International) will be included in the study protocol. Participants will be randomized into two intervention groups or the control / waiting group. After baseline measures, participants in the intervention groups will conduct a 12-week balance and strength / power exercise intervention 3 times per week, with each training session lasting 30 min. (actual training time). One intervention group will complete an extensive supervised training program, while the other intervention group will complete a short version (` 3 times 3') that is home-based and controlled by weekly phone calls. Post-tests will be conducted right after the intervention period. Additionally, detraining effects will be measured 12 weeks after program cessation. The control group / waiting group will not participate in any specific intervention during the experimental period, but will receive the extensive supervised program after the experimental period. Discussion: It is expected that particularly the supervised combination of balance and strength / power training will improve performance in variables of balance, strength / power, body composition, cognitive function, psychosocial well-being, and falls self-efficacy of older adults. In addition, information regarding fall risk assessment, dose-response-relations, detraining effects, and supervision of training will be provided. Further, training-induced health-relevant changes, such as improved performance in activities of daily living, cognitive function, and quality of life, as well as a reduced risk for falls may help to lower costs in the health care system. Finally, practitioners, therapists, and instructors will be provided with a scientifically evaluated feasible, safe, and easy-to-administer exercise program for fall prevention.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{LacroixHortobagyiBeurskensetal.2017,
  author    = {Lacroix, Andre and Hortobagyi, Tibor and Beurskens, Rainer and Granacher, Urs},
  title     = {Effects of Supervised vs. Unsupervised Training Programs on Balance and Muscle Strength in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis},
  series = {Sports medicine},
  volume    = {47},
  journal   = {Sports medicine},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {Northcote},
  issn      = {0112-1642},
  doi       = {10.1007/s40279-017-0747-6},
  pages     = {2341 -- 2361},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Objectives The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify the effectiveness of supervised vs. unsupervised balance and/or resistance training programs on measures of balance and muscle strength/ power in healthy older adults. In addition, the impact of supervision on training-induced adaptive processes was evaluated in the form of dose-response relationships by analyzing randomized controlled trials that compared supervised with unsupervised trials. Data Sources A computerized systematic literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SportDiscus to detect articles examining the role of supervision in balance and/or resistance training in older adults. Study Eligibility Criteria The initially identified 6041 articles were systematically screened. Studies were included if they examined balance and/or resistance training in adults aged >= 65 years with no relevant diseases and registered at least one behavioral balance (e.g., time during single leg stance) and/or muscle strength/ power outcome (e.g., time for 5-Times-Chair-Rise-Test). Finally, 11 studies were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Study Appraisal Weighted mean standardized mean differences between subjects (SMDbs) of supervised vs. unsupervised balance/resistance training studies were calculated. The included studies were coded for the following variables: number of participants, sex, age, number and type of interventions, type of balance/strength tests, and change (\%) from pre- to post-intervention values. Additionally, we coded training according to the following modalities: period, frequency, volume, modalities of supervision (i.e., number of supervised/unsupervised sessions within the supervised or unsupervised training groups, respectively). Heterogeneity was computed using I 2 and chi(2) statistics. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Results Our analyses revealed that in older adults, supervised balance/resistance training was superior compared with unsupervised balance/resistance training in improving measures of static steady-state balance (mean SMDbs = 0.28, p = 0.39), dynamic steady-state balance (mean SMDbs = 0.35, p = 0.02), proactive balance (mean SMDbs = 0.24, p = 0.05), balance test batteries (mean SMDbs = 0.53, p = 0.02), and measures of muscle strength/power (mean SMDbs = 0.51, p = 0.04). Regarding the examined dose-response relationships, our analyses showed that a number of 10-29 additional supervised sessions in the supervised training groups compared with the unsupervised training groups resulted in the largest effects for static steady-state balance (mean SMDbs = 0.35), dynamic steady-state balance (mean SMDbs = 0.37), and muscle strength/power (mean SMDbs = 1.12). Further, >= 30 additional supervised sessions in the supervised training groups were needed to produce the largest effects on proactive balance (mean SMDbs = 0.30) and balance test batteries (mean SMDbs = 0.77). Effects in favor of supervised programs were larger for studies that did not include any supervised sessions in their unsupervised programs (mean SMDbs: 0.28-1.24) compared with studies that implemented a few supervised sessions in their unsupervised programs (e.g., three supervised sessions throughout the entire intervention program; SMDbs: -0.06 to 0.41). Limitations The present findings have to be interpreted with caution because of the low number of eligible studies and the moderate methodological quality of the included studies, which is indicated by a median Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale score of 5. Furthermore, we indirectly compared dose-response relationships across studies and not from single controlled studies. Conclusions Our analyses suggest that supervised balance and/or resistance training improved measures of balance and muscle strength/power to a greater extent than unsupervised programs in older adults. Owing to the small number of available studies, we were unable to establish a clear dose-response relationship with regard to the impact of supervision. However, the positive effects of supervised training are particularly prominent when compared with completely unsupervised training programs. It is therefore recommended to include supervised sessions (i.e., two out of three sessions/week) in balance/resistance training programs to effectively improve balance and muscle strength/power in older adults.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GschwindKressigLacroixetal.2013,
  author    = {Gschwind, Yves J. and Kressig, Reto W. and Lacroix, Andre and M{\"u}hlbauer, Thomas and Pfenninger, Barbara and Granacher, Urs},
  title     = {A best practice fall prevention exercise program to improve balance, strength/power, and psychosocial health in older adults - study protocol for a randomized controlled trial},
  series = {BMC geriatrics},
  volume    = {13},
  journal   = {BMC geriatrics},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {BioMed Central},
  address   = {London},
  issn      = {1471-2318},
  doi       = {10.1186/1471-2318-13-105},
  pages     = {13},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Background: With increasing age neuromuscular deficits (e.g., sarcopenia) may result in impaired physical performance and an increased risk for falls. Prominent intrinsic fall-risk factors are age-related decreases in balance and strength / power performance as well as cognitive decline. Additional studies are needed to develop specifically tailored exercise programs for older adults that can easily be implemented into clinical practice. Thus, the objective of the present trial is to assess the effects of a fall prevention program that was developed by an interdisciplinary expert panel on measures of balance, strength / power, body composition, cognition, psychosocial well-being, and falls self-efficacy in healthy older adults. Additionally, the time-related effects of detraining are tested. Methods/Design: Healthy old people (n = 54) between the age of 65 to 80 years will participate in this trial. The testing protocol comprises tests for the assessment of static / dynamic steady-state balance (i.e., Sharpened Romberg Test, instrumented gait analysis), proactive balance (i.e., Functional Reach Test; Timed Up and Go Test), reactive balance (i.e., perturbation test during bipedal stance; Push and Release Test), strength (i.e., hand grip strength test; Chair Stand Test), and power (i.e., Stair Climb Power Test; countermovement jump). Further, body composition will be analysed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis system. In addition, questionnaires for the assessment of psychosocial (i.e., World Health Organisation Quality of Life Assessment-Bref), cognitive (i.e., Mini Mental State Examination), and fall risk determinants (i.e., Fall Efficacy Scale -International) will be included in the study protocol. Participants will be randomized into two intervention groups or the control / waiting group. After baseline measures, participants in the intervention groups will conduct a 12-week balance and strength / power exercise intervention 3 times per week, with each training session lasting 30 min. (actual training time). One intervention group will complete an extensive supervised training program, while the other intervention group will complete a short version (` 3 times 3') that is home-based and controlled by weekly phone calls. Post-tests will be conducted right after the intervention period. Additionally, detraining effects will be measured 12 weeks after program cessation. The control group / waiting group will not participate in any specific intervention during the experimental period, but will receive the extensive supervised program after the experimental period. Discussion: It is expected that particularly the supervised combination of balance and strength / power training will improve performance in variables of balance, strength / power, body composition, cognitive function, psychosocial well-being, and falls self-efficacy of older adults. In addition, information regarding fall risk assessment, dose-response-relations, detraining effects, and supervision of training will be provided. Further, training-induced health-relevant changes, such as improved performance in activities of daily living, cognitive function, and quality of life, as well as a reduced risk for falls may help to lower costs in the health care system. Finally, practitioners, therapists, and instructors will be provided with a scientifically evaluated feasible, safe, and easy-to-administer exercise program for fall prevention.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Lacroix2017,
  author    = {Lacroix, Andr{\´e}},
  title     = {Factors influencing the effectiveness of balance and resistance training in older adults},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-411826},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam},
  pages     = {viii, 235},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Hintergrund und Ziele: Altersbedingte Kraft- und Gleichgewichtsverluste sind mit Funktionseinschr{\"a}nkungen und einem erh{\"o}hten Sturzrisiko assoziiert. Kraft- und Gleichgewichtstraining haben das Potenzial, das Gleichgewicht und die Maximalkraft/Schnellkraft von gesunden {\"a}lteren Menschen zu verbessern. Es ist jedoch noch nicht hinreichend untersucht, wie die Effektivit{\"a}t solcher {\"U}bungsprogramme von verschiedenen Faktoren beeinflusst wird. Hierzu geh{\"o}ren die Rolle der Rumpfmuskulatur, die Effekte von kombiniertem Kraft- und Gleichgewichtstraining sowie die Effekte der Trainingsanleitung. Die prim{\"a}ren Ziele dieser Dissertation bestehen daher in der {\"U}berpr{\"u}fung der Zusammenh{\"a}nge von Rumpfkraft und Gleichgewichtsvariablen und der Effekte von kombiniertem Kraft- und Gleichgewichtstraining auf ein breites Spektrum an intrinsischen Sturzrisikofaktoren bei {\"a}lteren Menschen. Ein wesentliches Ziel dieser Dissertation ist zudem die {\"U}berpr{\"u}fung der Auswirkungen von angeleitetem gegen{\"u}ber unangeleitetem Kraft- und/oder Gleichgewichtstraining auf Variablen des Gleichgewichts und der Maximal-/Schnellkraft bei {\"a}lteren Menschen. Methoden: Gesunde {\"a}ltere Erwachsene im Alter zwischen 63 und 80 Jahren wurden in einer Querschnittsstudie, einer L{\"a}ngsschnittstudie und einer Metaanalyse untersucht (Gruppenmittelwerte Meta-Analyse: 65.3-81.1 Jahre). Messungen des Gleichgewichts (statisches/dynamisches, proaktives, reaktives Gleichgewicht) wurden mittels klinischer (z. B. Romberg Test) und instrumentierter Tests (z. B. 10 Meter Gangtest inklusive elektrischer Erfassung von Gangparametern) durchgef{\"u}hrt. Die isometrische Maximalkraft der Rumpfmuskulatur wurde mit speziellen Rumpfkraft-Maschinen gemessen. F{\"u}r die {\"U}berpr{\"u}fung der dynamischen Maximal-/Schnellkraft der unteren Extremit{\"a}t wurden klinische Tests (z. B. Chair Stand Test) verwendet. Weiterhin wurde ein kombiniertes Kraft- und Gleichgewichtstraining durchgef{\"u}hrt, um trainingsbedingte Effekte auf Gleichgewicht und Maximal-/Schnellkraft sowie die Effekte der Trainingsanleitung bei {\"a}lteren Erwachsenen zu untersuchen. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigten signifikante Korrelationen zwischen Rumpfkraft und statischem sowie ausgew{\"a}hlten Parametern des dynamischen Gleichgewichts (0.42 ≤ r ≤ 0.57). Kombiniertes Kraft- und Gleichgewichtstraining verbesserte das statische/dynamische (z. B. Romberg Test, Ganggeschwindigkeit), proaktive (z. B. Timed Up und Go Test) und reaktive Gleichgewicht (z. B. Push and Release Test) sowie die Maximal-/Schnellkraft (z. B. Chair Stand Test) von gesunden {\"a}lteren Menschen (0.62 ≤ Cohen's d ≤ 2.86; alle p < 0.05). Angeleitetes Training f{\"u}hrte verglichen mit unangeleitetem Training zu gr{\"o}ßeren Effekten bei Gleichgewicht und Maximal-/Schnellkraft [L{\"a}ngsschnittstudie: Effekte in der angeleiteten Gruppe 0.26 ≤ d ≤ 2.86, Effekte in der unangeleiteten Gruppe 0.06 ≤ d ≤ 2.30; Metaanalyse: alle Standardisierte Mittelwertdifferenzen (SMDbs) zugunsten der angeleiteten Programme 0.24-0.53]. Die Metaanalyse zeigte zudem gr{\"o}ßere Effekte zugunsten der angeleiteten Programme, wenn diese mit komplett unbeaufsichtigten Programmen verglichen wurden (0.28 ≤ SMDbs ≤ 1.24). Diese Effekte zugunsten der angeleiteten Interventionen wurden jedoch abgeschw{\"a}cht, wenn sie mit unangeleiteten Interventionen verglichen wurden, die wenige zus{\"a}tzliche angeleitete Einheiten integrierten (-0.06 ≤ SMDbs ≤ 0.41). Schlussfolgerungen: Eine Aufnahme von Rumpfkraft{\"u}bungen in sturzpr{\"a}ventive Trainingsprogramme f{\"u}r {\"a}ltere Menschen k{\"o}nnte die Verbesserung von Gleichgewichtsparametern positiv beeinflussen. Die positiven Effekte auf eine Vielzahl wichtiger intrinsischer Sturzrisikofaktoren (z. B. Gleichgewichts-, Kraftdefizite) implizieren, dass besonders die Kombination aus Kraft- und Gleichgewichtstraining eine durchf{\"u}hrbare und effektive sturzpr{\"a}ventive Intervention ist. Aufgrund gr{\"o}ßerer Effekte von angeleitetem im Vergleich zu unangeleitetem Training sollten angeleitete Einheiten in sturzpr{\"a}ventive {\"U}bungsprogramme f{\"u}r {\"a}ltere Erwachsene integriert werden.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{LacroixMuehlbauerGschwindetal.2016,
  author    = {Lacroix, Andr{\´e} and M{\"u}hlbauer, Thomas and Gschwind, Y. J. and Pfenninger, B. and Kressig, R. W. and Br{\"u}gger, O. and Granacher, Urs},
  title     = {Effects of instructed counterpart independent Strength and Balance Training on Strength and Balance Performance of healthy elderly People: A randomized, controlled Study},
  series = {Zeitschrift f{\~A}¼r Gerontologie und Geriatrie},
  volume    = {49},
  journal   = {Zeitschrift f{\~A}¼r Gerontologie und Geriatrie},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {Heidelberg},
  issn      = {0948-6704},
  pages     = {S12 -- S13},
  year      = {2016},
  language  = {de}
}
@article{LacroixKressigMuehlbaueretal.2016,
  author    = {Lacroix, Andre and Kressig, Reto W. and M{\"u}hlbauer, Thomas and Gschwind, Yves J. and Pfenninger, Barbara and Bruegger, Othmar and Granacher, Urs},
  title     = {Effects of a Supervised versus an Uniupervised Combined Balance and Strength Training Program on Balance and Muscle Power in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial},
  series = {Gerontology},
  volume    = {62},
  journal   = {Gerontology},
  publisher = {Karger},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {0304-324X},
  doi       = {10.1159/000442087},
  pages     = {275 -- 288},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Background: Losses in lower extremity muscle strength/power, muscle mass and deficits in static and particularly dynamic balance due to aging are associated with impaired functional performance and an increased fall risk. It has been shown that the combination of balance and strength training (BST) mitigates these age-related deficits. However, it is unresolved whether supervised versus unsupervised BST is equally effective in improving muscle power and balance in older adults. Objective:This study examined the impact of a 12-week BST program followed by 12 weeks of detraining on measures of balance and muscle power in healthy older adults enrolled in supervised (SUP) or unsupervised (UNSUP) training. Methods: Sixty-six older adults (men: 25, women: 41; age 73 4 years) were randomly assigned to a SUP group (2/week supervised training, 1/week unsupervised training; n = 22), an UNSUP group (3/week unsupervised training; n = 22) or a passive control group (CON; n = 22). Static (i.e., Romberg Test) and dynamic (i.e., 10-meter walk test) steady-state, proactive (i.e., Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test), and reactive balance (e.g., Push and Release Test), as well as lower extremity muscle power (i.e., Chair Stand Test; Stair Ascent and Descent Test) were tested before and after the active training phase as well as after detraining. Results: Adherence rates to training were 92\% for SUP and 97\% for UNSUP. BST resulted in significant group x time interactions. Post hoc analyses showed, among others, significant training-related improvements for the Romberg Test, stride velocity, Timed Up and Go Test, and Chair Stand Test in favor of the SUP group. Following detraining, significantly enhanced performances (compared to baseline) were still present in 13 variables for the SUP group and in 10 variables for the UNSUP group. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of BST proved to be safe (no training-related injuries) and feasible (high attendance rates of >90\%). Deficits of balance and lower extremity muscle power can be mitigated by BST in healthy older adults. Additionally, supervised as compared to unsupervised BST was more effective. Thus, it is recommended to counteract intrinsic fall risk factors by applying supervised BST programs for older adults. (C) 2015 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel},
  language  = {en}
}