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Core muscle strengthening's improvement of balance performance in community-dwelling older adults: a pilot study
Kahle N, Tevald MA
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 2014 Jan;22(1):65-73
clinical trial
7/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

To determine the effect of core muscle strengthening on balance in community-dwelling older adults, 24 healthy men and women between 65 and 85 years old were randomized to either exercise (EX; n = 12) or control (CON; n = 12) groups. The exercise group performed a core strengthening home exercise program thrice weekly for 6 wk. Core muscle (curl-up test), functional reach (FR) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) were assessed at baseline and follow-up. There were no group differences at baseline. At follow-up, EX exhibited significantly greater improvements in curl-up (Cohen's d = 4.4), FR (1.3), and SEBT (> 1.9 for all directions) than CON. The change in curl-up was significantly correlated with the change in FR (r = 0.44, p = 0.03) and SEBT (r > 0.61, p = 0.002). These results suggest that core strengthening should be part of a comprehensive balance-training program for older adults.

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