Comparative Effects Between a Resistance Training and a Combined Balance and Strength Training on Functional Fitness and Fall Risk in Older Adults

NCT07555249 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: 111/2022
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 111
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different training protocols on muscle strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance, balance and walking ability in older adults in order to reduce their fall risk. The participants (n=110) aged 65-85 years, self-sufficient and physically active, were randomly assigned to a resistance training (RT) group and a combined balance and strength (BS) group. Both groups attended supervised sessions of 3 hours twice a week for 6 weeks. To measure the functional fitness, before and after the training program the Senior Fitness Test Battery was used, while physical activity level and fear of falling were assessed with self-reported questionnaires. Moreover, participants were asked to record the number of falls they had over the next two years after the end of the training program.

Conditions

Accidental Fall

Keywords

Postural Balance; Aged; Accidental Falls; Fear of falling; Physical Fitness; Resistance Training; Elastic Resistance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (7)

• Change in fear of falling (Short FES-I score)

  Fear of falling will be assessed using the Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (Short FES-I), a 7-item self-administered questionnaire that evaluates concern about falling during basic and social daily activities. Each item is rated on a 4-point scale (1 = not at all concerned to 4 = very concerned), yielding a total score from 7 to 28, with higher scores indicating greater fear of falling. Scores will be analysed as a continuous variable and, secondarily, categorized into low concern (7-8) versus moderate/high concern (≥9).

  Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

• Lower-limb strength/endurance

  Lower-limb strength and endurance will be measured using the 30-second chair stand test from the Senior Fitness Test battery, recording the number of full stands completed from a seated position in 30 seconds.

  Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

• Upper-limb strength

  Upper-limb strength will be assessed with the arm curl test from the Senior Fitness Test, counting the number of elbow flexion-extension repetitions completed in 30 seconds with a standardized hand weight.

  Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

• Change in lower-back and hamstring flexibility

  Flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings will be evaluated using the chair sit-and-reach test from the Senior Fitness Test, recording the distance (cm) between the extended fingers and the tip of the toe while seated.

  Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

• Change in dynamic balance and mobility

  Dynamic balance and functional mobility will be measured with the Timed Up and Go test, timing in seconds how long the participant takes to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down.

  Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

• Change in aerobic endurance

  Aerobic endurance will be assessed using the 2-minute step test, counting the number of steps performed in place at a standardized knee height over 2 minutes, as part of the Senior Fitness Test battery.

  Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

• Relative Fall Risk

  Participants were asked to record the number of falls they had over the next two years after the end of the training program and relative fall risk was calculated.

  Over the next two years after the end of the training program

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Change in self-reported physical activity

  Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

Study Arms (2)

Resistance Training group (RT)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in the Resistance Training group (RT) underwent a supervised, structured resistance training program using elastic bands, targeting the major muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs. The program was designed to progressively enhance lower-limb strength and dynamic balance through sessions including warm-up, music-based resistance exercises, and cool-down phases, ultimately aiming to reduce fall risk.

Behavioral: Elastic-band resistance training

Balance and Strength group (BS)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in the Balance and Strength group (BS) took part in a supervised multi-station circuit combining bodyweight strengthening exercises with tasks that challenge dynamic balance (e.g., directional changes, stepping, and weight-shifting activities). The program progressively increased in difficulty across sessions to enhance postural control and dynamic stability, aiming to improve balance efficiency and reduce fall risk.

Behavioral: Functional and balance circuit training

Interventions

Elastic-band resistance training BEHAVIORAL

Supervised group-based resistance training with elastic bands, targeting major upper- and lower-limb muscle groups. Sessions include warm-up, a structured resistance phase with music-based exercises, and cool-down, with progressive increases in band resistance and exercise volume to improve lower-limb strength, dynamic balance, and reduce fall risk.

Resistance Training group (RT)

Functional and balance circuit training BEHAVIORAL

Supervised multistation circuit combining bodyweight strengthening exercises and dynamic balance tasks (e.g., directional changes, stepping, and weight-shifting activities). Sessions include warm-up, one or two rounds of the circuit, and cool-down, with progressive increases in task complexity to enhance postural control, dynamic stability, and reduce fall risk.

Balance and Strength group (BS)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 60 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Older Adults;
• Age ≥ 60 years;
• Independent in carrying out activities of daily living.

You may not qualify if:

• Unstable cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological conditions that contraindicate exercise;
• Recent fractures, major orthopedic surgery, or acute musculoskeletal pain limiting safe exercise participation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Palermo: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Palermo

Palermo, Sicily, 90144, Italy

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Bellafiore M, Battaglia G, Bianco A, Paoli A, Farina F, Palma A. Improved postural control after dynamic balance training in older overweight women. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2011 Oct-Dec;23(5-6):378-85. doi: 10.1007/BF03337762. Epub 2010 Nov 17.

  PMID: 21084833 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Functional Status

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Activities of Daily Living; Rehabilitation; Health Services; Health Care Facilities Workforce and Services; Health Status; Demography; Epidemiologic Measurements; Public Health; Environment and Public Health

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Full Professor

Model Details: Randomized Controlled Trial

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 21, 2026
• First Posted: April 29, 2026
• Study Start: November 1, 2022
• Primary Completion: May 30, 2024
• Study Completion: May 30, 2025
• Last Updated: April 29, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

IT (1)