Effect of a Resistance Exercise Program for Older Adults on Body Balance Capability

Abstract

          The purpose of this study was to examine effects of a resistance exercise program on body balance for older adults. Sample was 30 older adults who were members of the elderly care group in Nakhonratchasima Province with a Berg Balance Score of under 45. The resistance exercise program, applied according to the Becker’s Health Belief Model for 40 minutes a day, 3 days per week for 12 weeks. The program consisted of perceptions of the participants in the following activities 1) Susceptibility of falling, 2) Seriousness of body imbalance, 3) Benefits of the resistance exercise, 4) Barriers to the resistance exercise and 5) Action cues of the resistance exercise. The intervention tool had body balance questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and repeated measures ANOVA.

          The experimental group  had  significantly higher mean score of Berg Balance Scale ,than before and after implementation of the program, with the mean scores at the 6^th week being significantly different (p< 0.05). The Time Up and Go Test (TUG) scores at the 6^th and 13^th weeks were both significantly lower time than before implementation of the program (p< 0.05).

          The results can be used as an activity guide for the elderly to increase their strength and body balance.