Comparison between six-week exergaming, conventional balance and no exercise training program on older adults’ balance and gait speed

We evaluated differences between a six-week exergame-training and a conventional balance training program on the balance and gait speed of older adults’ (>65 years). Forty-two healthy participants were recruited from independent living and community centers and randomized to one of three groups: exergaming balance training (EBT), conventional balance training (CBT), or control (no training). The participants completed two balance measurements (Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB) and center of pressure (COP) excursion), and gait speed at pre, post-intervention, and after a three-week follow-up. Both EBT and CBT groups improved their scores on the FAB, COP displacement, and gait speed post-intervention (p<0.05) and these changes were maintained and did not return to pre-training values after three weeks of detraining. The control group scores for FAB and gait velocity values declined (p<0.001) but not COP excursions during the study. This six-week exergame training program improved balance control and gait speed in community-dwelling seniors in a similar fashion to conventional training. Participants’ physical abilities scores improved and were maintained following three weeks of detraining. Exergame-based training therefore may be considered as an intervention that can address balance control and gait speed in older adults. As well improved scores can be maintained with transient or sporadic activity.