Effects of Physical Fitness Exercise, Mental Exercise and Mindfulness Exercise on Static and Dynamic Balance in Elderly Women

Abstract

Objectives Elderly are exposed to balance dysfunction. This research aims at investigating the effect of physical exercises, mindfulness and mental training on static and dynamic balance in elderly women. Methods & Materials The participants included 60 women in the age group of 60-75 years who were categorized into four groups randomly (three experimental groups "mindfulness, mental training, and physical exercises" and a control group, with 15 members in each group. To measure dynamic and static balance, Berg Balance Scale and Sharpened Romberg test were used. Experimental groups took part in physical exercise and mental training and mindfulness training sessions for eight weeks. Each week had three sessions, and each session was of 75 minutes. Then the post-test was performed, and eight weeks after the post-test, a follow-up test was conducted. For data analyses, the variance for repeated measures and ANOVA test were used at 0.05 significant level. Results In the post-test balance scores (static and dynamic), there was no significant difference between mindfulness training and mental training groups (P<0.001). But the effects of mindfulness and mental training as compared to physical exercise and control groups were positive and significant (P<0.001). Besides, the effects of training in the physical exercise group were positive and significant compared to control group (P<0.001). In the follow-up test balance scores (static and dynamic), there was no significant difference between mindfulness training and mental training groups (P>0.05). Also, there was no significant difference between physical exercise and control groups. However, in comparison to physical exercise and control groups, the effects of mindfulness training and mental training were found to be positive and significant (P<0.001). Conclusion The study showed that physical exercises, mindfulness and mental training have a significant effect on the improvement of static and dynamic balance in elderly women, though the association of cognitive practices (mindfulness and mental training) with motor training (physical exercises) could cause a lasting impact. So, it is recommended to use physical exercises with cognitive training to improve static and dynamic balance in elderly people.

The Effect of Resistance Training with Theraband on the Transforming Growth Factor-β in the Elderly Women

“…Physical activity also provides an opportunity for older people to have an active and independent life, to reduce disability and to improve their quality of life [17]. Studies have shown that different exercise training mods, for example resistance and endurance exercises, have positive effects on the static and dynamic balance, reaction time and strength of the elderly [18,19]. Some evidence suggests that resistance training with elastic bands increases functional performance and improves muscle mass in older people [20][21][22].…”

Interactive Effects of Endurance Training and Royal Jelly Consumption on Motor Balance and Pain Threshold in Animal Model of the Alzheimer Disease

“…On the other hand, the present study showed that ETPS significantly improved motor balance and increased pain threshold in rats with AD. Authors believe that physiological adaptations to exercises can im-prove the utilization of motor units and increase the vitality of the motor cortex in elderly people (24) through the reduction of oxidative stress and sympathetic system activity (25) as well as the increase of neurotrophins (26). In line with the present study findings, physical activity had a significant effect on the improvement of static and dynamic balance in the elderly (24); exercise training had a significant effect on improving motor balance and quality of life (27), and modified exercises had significant pain relief effects (28); nevertheless, weight-bearing training did not have a significant effect on dynamic balance in elderly males (29).…”