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Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(1): 35-44
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1267214
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Promoting Balance and Strength in the Middle-Aged Workforce

U. Granacher1 , 2 , C. Wick1 , N. Rueck1 , C. Esposito1 , R. Roth1 , L. Zahner1
  • 1University of Basel, Institute of Exercise and Health Sciences, Basel, Switzerland
  • 2Friedrich-Schiller-University, Institute of Sport Science, Jena, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision September 14, 2010

Publication Date:
11 November 2010 (online)

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Abstract

The prevalence of sustaining fall-related injuries is high in the middle-aged workforce. Deficits in postural control/muscle strength represent important fall-risk factors. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of balance and strength training followed by detraining on postural control and muscle strength in the workforce. Thirty-two adults with sedentary office work participated in this study and were assigned to an intervention (age 56.0±3.7 yrs) or a control group (age 55.5±3.4 yrs). The intervention group participated in 8 weeks of balance and strength training conducted at the worksite, followed by 8 weeks of detraining. Tests included the measurement of (a) total centre of pressure (COP) displacements during one-legged standing, (b) gait velocity and stride-to-stride variability, (c) peak isometric/isokinetic torque and rate of torque development (RTD) of the plantar flexors, and (d) jumping height. After training, significant improvements in COP displacements, gait velocity, peak isometric/isokinetic torque, RTD, and jumping height were observed. During detraining, muscle strength deteriorated, whereas postural control improved. This fall-preventive training program conducted at the worksite proved to be feasible and effective. It is suggested that this training program should be permanently conducted to maintain/improve muscle strength.

Key words

balance training - strength training - stride-to-stride variability - centre of pressure displacements - peak torque - jumping height

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Correspondence

PD Dr. Urs Granacher

University of Basel

Institute of Exercise and Health Sciences

Birsstr. 320B

4052 Basel

Switzerland

Phone: +41/61/377 87 35

Fax: +41/61/377 87 42

Email: urs.granacher@unibas.ch

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