Abstract
- The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a 6-week suspension training exercise program on fitness components in older adults. Three male and eight female volunteers (Age = 80.0 ± 4.9 yrs; Height = 166.3 ± 9.5 cm; Body Mass = 71.2 ± 4.9 kg; Body Fat = 34.2 ± 2.6 %) participated in the 6-week suspension training exercise program. Pre- and post-fitness assessments comprised of body composition, handgrip dynamometer, functional reach, and overall balance. The 6-week suspension training exercise intervention required individuals to perform a variety of exercises on the suspension training system for forty-five minutes, twice per week. A paired sample t-test was used to determine differences from pre to post (p ≤ 0.05). An improvement was observed between pre- and post-assessment in functional reach (57.2 ± 6.4 cm vs 68.6 ± 4.3 cm; p = 0.02) and overall balance score (67.5 ± 2.4 vs 72.2 ± 2.2; p = 0.02). No significant difference, however, was displayed between pre- and post-assessment in body fat (34.2 ± 2.6% vs 34.3 ± 2.8%) or handgrip dynamometer (22.4 ± 1.9 kg vs 22.8 ± 1.8 kg). A 6-week suspension training exercise program was adequate to enhance core stability and overall balance amongst older adults.