Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine whether lower extremity progressive resistance training (PRT) in older adults who are at risk for falls improves balance confidence. The study was a one-group pretest-posttest quasi experimental design. The variables of interest (dependent) were balance confidence and muscular strength. Subjects were volunteers recruited from Bentley Village. The measurements used for the dependent variables included the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale and a predicted one repetition maximum (1 RM) from a 5RM test. The independent variable was high-intensity PRT for the lower extremities. Subjects performed PRT three times a week for 10 weeks for a total of 30 training sessions. All subjects demonstrated statistically significant increases in lower extremity strength and improvements in balance confidence, however, statistically a correlation could not be made between increased lower extremity strength and improvements in balance confidence. There were positive correlations seen between lower extremity strength and attendance. In conclusion, seven balance impaired active older adults between the ages of 80 and 90 years of age completed a 1 0-week high intensity PRT program for the LE. High-intensity PRT is a safe and effective means of increasing strength in the older adult. Future studies need to be completed to determine if high intensity PRT may also improve balance confidence in older adults.