Changes in the Limits of Stability Induced by Weight-Shifting Training in Elderly Women

Abstract

This study examined the impact of visually guided weight-shifting training on elderly women's limits of stability during static leaning and dynamic swaying in different directions. Sixty-three elderly women were assigned into a group that practiced weight shifting (30-min sessions, 3 sessions/week, 4 weeks) either in the anterior/posterior or medio/lateral direction and a control group. Training resulted in a reduction of upper body rotation and an increase of shank rotation and center of pressure displacement. It is concluded that weight-shifting practice increases the limits of stability and enhances the inverted pendulum pivoting of the human body during leaning and dynamic swaying balance tasks.

Acknowledgments

The study is cofunded by the European Union–European Social Fund and National Resources (EPEAEK II) under grant number 80839/67.

Notes

Note. Data are group means and standard deviations (in parenthesis).

Significantly different to pretraining values, *p < .05.

Note. Group means and standard deviations (in parenthesis).

Significantly different to pretraining values, *p < .05, ***p < .001.