Effect of Ascending an Inclined Surface versus Backward Walking on Flat Surface on Dynamic Balance in Healthy Older Adult Males

Aims: Falls among elderly are major health problem. Practice of physical activities such as walking on regular basis improves balance and reduces falls. The objective of this study was to determine whether ascending an inclined surface (ISU) and backward walking on a flat surface (FSB) regularly could improve dynamic balance in healthy older adults and check the interaction of body composition, leg muscle strength and vital capacity.

Study Design: Eight-week walk-training program with and without resistance.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Field and Track Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education, Minia University, between July and September 2016.

Methodology: Sample: Twenty participants (males; 55-65 years old) and all of them practiced sports regularly. All participants continued with their regular exercise program, while adding walk training program either ISU or FSB for total of 24 training units and 1845 min. divided into three stages preparatory, foundation and development stages. Participants were tested pre-and post-training using - Body Composition Analyzer (Tanita SC240) and tests; Leg press test and dynamometer for muscle strength and Modified Bass test of dynamic balance.

Results: We found statistically significant intervention effects of the walking program on dynamic balance (P=0.0029 ISU and P=0.0054 FSB post vs pretest). Decrease in fat mass (P=0.0001) and increase in bone mass (P=0.001) in ISU group post vs pretest. An increase in dynamic balance (P=0.0215), leg muscles’ strength (P=0.0121) and body muscle mass (P=0.0139) in the ISU group compared to FSB group on comparing the results of the posttest of both groups.

Conclusion: We suggest that physically active elderly who exercise regularly can benefit from the addition of walk training to their current exercise program. We recommend practicing ascending an inclined surface more than backward walking on a flat surface to improve dynamic balance, lean body mass, muscle strength and pulmonary function.