Tempo-controlled resistance training of the hip abductors and ankle dorsiflexors with light loads does not improve postural sway in older adults.

The force steadiness capabilities of the hip abductors and ankle dorsiflexors can explain a significant amount of the variance in postural sway during four types of standing balance tests. Control over balance, as well as force steadiness, generally worsens with aging, although the latter can be improved with unique training interventions. The purpose of our study was to assess how tempo-controlled, light-load resistance training of the hip abductors and ankle dorsiflexors influences performance in clinical movement tests, postural sway, muscle strength, and force steadiness in older adults. Participants (n = 28, 70 +/- 7 years, 8 men) completed nine training sessions for either the hip abd…