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The Effect of Six Weeks of TRX Training on Dynamic Balance and Gait Kinematic Parameters in Elderly Women Aged 55–75 Years

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Department of Sport injuries and corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran.

2 Department of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

3 Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran.

10.30476/jrsr.2025.106041.1557

Abstract

Background: Aging is commonly associated with a progressive decline in neuromuscular function, which adversely affects balance control, gait stability, and overall mobility. Consequently, fall prevention has become a major concern in the elderly population. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a six-week total resistance exercise (TRX) training program on dynamic balance and gait kinematic parameters in healthy older women.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study included 36 healthy older women aged 55–75 years, recruited through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group (18 participants per group). The experimental group participated in a TRX training program three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting 30–40 minutes, whereas the control group received no structured exercise intervention. Both groups underwent pre- and post-tests assessing stride length, stride width, walking speed, and dynamic balance. Dynamic balance was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. At the same time, gait kinematic parameters were assessed using the Plug-in Gait marker placement protocol and a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS.
Results: Compared with the control group, the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in dynamic balance (F(1,33) = 25.31, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.43), stride length (F(1,33) = 9.71, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.22), stride width (F(1,33) = 29.87, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.47) and walking speed (F(1,33) = 10.83, p = 0.003, η2 = 0.24).
Conclusion: A six-week TRX training program effectively improved dynamic balance and gait kinematic parameters in healthy older women. These findings highlight the value of functional suspension training in enhancing mobility and reducing fall risk among older adults. Accordingly, TRX training may be considered an effective component of rehabilitation and fall-prevention programs for older people.

Keywords

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Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research
Volume 13, Issue 3
September 2026
Pages 197-204
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