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.
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Change in fear of falling (Short FES-I score)
Timeframe: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Lower-limb strength/endurance
Timeframe: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Upper-limb strength
Timeframe: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Change in lower-back and hamstring flexibility
Timeframe: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Change in dynamic balance and mobility
Timeframe: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Change in aerobic endurance
Timeframe: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Relative Fall Risk
Timeframe: Over the next two years after the end of the training program