Steady-state postural response to a neuromuscular and proprioceptive training program in active middleaged women

Background: Exercise training appears to have an essential role in maintaining motor responses. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the steady-state postural response to neuromuscular and proprioceptive training (NPT) in active middle-aged women. Methods: Forty-four active women (mean age, 53.2 ± 6.1 years) completed this cross-sectional study. During the 12-week study, the NPT group (n = 20) performed the NPT program, while the control group (n = 24) followed the usual warm-up routines. Postural stability in different visual conditions was measured in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) planes during quiet standing on a foam mat at baseline and after the intervention using a force platform. Results: The NPT could significantly improve postural balance in the ML plane with Eyes Open (EO) (P = 0.005) and Eyes Closed (EC) (P = 0.004) and in the AP plane with EO (P = 0.006) and EC (P = 0.003). Estimates of mean CoP total velocity with EO (P = 0.005) and EC (P = 0.004) also revealed significant interaction effects on any CoP parameter. However, values of partial eta squared effect size only in the AP direction indicated a large, powerful significance for the EC condition. Conclusions: The NPT is effective in improving postural steadiness in middle-aged women. Therefore, it might have a direct effect on decreasing the falling risk of active middle-aged women.

Anthropometry, Postural Balance, Exercise, Posture, Women’s Health