Effects of resistance training on balance and functional ability in healthy elderly: an update

Abstract

Muscle strength decrease in aging and low physical activity levels may be an indicator of balance deficits and functional limitations. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effects of resistance training (RT) alone on balance performance and functional capacity in healthy elderly. The search in Google Scholar and BVS led to selecting 35 controlled trials. The RT alone showed to have positive effects (90% of the studies) on functional tasks in elderly, associated with increases in strength and mobility. Moderate and low-intensity exercise could produce functional capacity benefits in older women, frail and sedentary elderly. Despite the inconsistency of data, resistance training appears to exert positive effects on balance, especially through neuromuscular factors. Standardization of methodology and homogeneity of sampling may ensure greater comparability of results, especially among elderly with high physical functional level.