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THE EFFECTS OF HIGH-VELOCITY RESISTANCE OR DUAL-TASK BALANCE TRAINING ON CONFIDENCE AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTION

Abstract

Larissa Boyd, Bert Jacobson, Jason DeFreitas, & Mwrumba Mwavita. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; e-mail: lboyd6@uco.edu

Fear of falling may detrimentally impact balancing capabilities and physical activity participation in older adults. Impairment in cognitive resources from dual-tasking or a limited ability to produce quick postural reactions may further exacerbate falls risk. Strong evidence exists regarding the requirement of cognitive resources for balancing, but the impacts of high-velocity resistance training (HVR) and dual-task balance training (DTB) are not well understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of HVR and DTB on balance confidence and executive function. Participants were randomly assigned to a high-velocity (HV, n=5), dual-task (DT, n=9), or control (CG, n=8) group. The HV performed five different lower extremity exercises at 40% 1RM. The DT performed cognitive and physical tasks simultaneously. Both groups trained twice a week for 30 minutes over 16 weeks. Executive function was assessed using the Trail-Making Test part B (TMT-B). The Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) evaluated balance confidence. Participants were assessed at pre-test and post-test. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze data. RESULTS: No significant group x time interactions occurred on the TMT-B (F8, 21=1.59, p=.23) or ABC (F10, 21=1.64, p=.20). The HV group experienced a moderate change (d=0.38) on the TMT-B from pre- to post-test. A large effect was observed for balance confidence (d=.82) in the HV group. No moderate or large effects were observed in the CG. CONCLUSIONS: HVR may cause greater improvements in balance confidence and executive function than other methods of physical activity. Future research should further investigate the impact that HVR has on cognitive resources and confidence levels.

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