Document Type : Original Articles

Author

• Jabbar Bashiri

Assistance Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Any disorder in balance is one of the influencing factors on falling risk which its increasing can decrease falling risk and consequent problems. Thus the aim of study was to compare and examine the effects of aquatic, Whole Body Vibration and concurrent training on neuromuscular performance, balance and risk of falling in elderly females. Materials and Methods: 48 females were randomized consecutively into four Groups: the group1 submitted for the aquatic training(13), the group 2 submitted for the Whole Body Vibration Training (WBV)(11), the group 3 submitted for the aquatic training plus Whole Body Vibration Training (concurrent Group)(12), and the Control group(12). Neuromuscular performance, balance and risk of falling was evaluated in all subjects, before, 2 and 4 and 6 weeks after beginning the training and 2 and 4 weeks after completion the exercise period. A one-way ANOVA and two way repeated measure ANOVA used to analyze the data. Results: Results of this study showed that there are significant difference between aquatic, WBV and concurrent training with control group. However, there is significant improvement in neuromuscular performance, balance and risk of falling in WBV and concurrent training groups in 2 weeks after beginning of training, but there is significant improvement in neuromuscular performance, balance and risk of falling in Aquatic training group in 4 weeks after beginning of training. Also, after doing retention test, there is significant decreasing in neuromuscular performance, balance and risk of falling in WBV and concurrent training groups in 2 weeks after detraining period, but there is significant decreasing in neuromuscular performance, balance and risk of falling in Aquatic training group in 4 weeks after detraining period. Conclusion: Due to results, using Aquatic, Whole Body Vibration and concurrent exercises are recommended to decrease likelihood of falling and improve neuromuscular performance and balance in elderly females. Keywords: Aquatic Training, Whole Body Vibration Training, Concurrent Training, neuromuscular performance, balance, risk of falling