Document Type : Meta-Analyses
Authors
1 Department of sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic azad Umiversity, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili,
3 Ergonomy Group, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic azad Umiversity, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background: Ensuring the safety of the elderly is an increasingly important concern today. Fall prevention guidelines recommend highly challenging training modes to decrease falls. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to examine the effects of combined training (CT) on functionality, balance and gait speed of the elderly.
Methods: Primary sources were obtained from 4 databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science. The search period covered years from inception to June 2th, 2024. Standardized mean differences (SMDs), weighted mean differences, and 95% CIs were calculated using random or fixed-effect models for outcomes.
Results: Following the screening process, 12 studies involving a total of 570 participants were included in the systematic review. The results of the meta-analysis showed that CT increased functionality (0.64 [95% CI: 0.34-0.93], p=0.003), balance (0.65 [95% CI: 0.39-0.90], p=0.001), and gait speed (1.18 [95% CI: 0.76-1.59], p=0.001). Additionally, the results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that there was significant difference between CT and traditional training (TT) on functionality (0.50 [95% CI: 0.28-0.73), p=0.001), in favors of CT.
Conclusion: The results meta-analysis demonstrated that CT has a positive effect on the functionality, balance, and gait speed of the elderly. Also, comparing CT with TT, significant difference was observed between these two types of training. CT had more effect on functionality of the elderly than TT. Therefore, CT is a viable method to increase the functionality, balance, and gait speed of the elderly.
Keywords
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