Purpose:
Different stretch training timings can have different effects on physical performance on older people .The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two programs stretch-balance training with different timings on some physical performances on older men.
Methods:
Sixty older men (age ranging from 60-74 years) were randomly divided into five equal groups, 1) stretch-balance training with the dominant of dynamic at 60 seconds, 2) stretch-balance training with the dominant of static at 60 seconds, 3) stretch-balance training with the dominant of dynamic at 90 seconds, 4) stretch-balance training with the dominant of static at 90 seconds, and 5) control group. The training program included the combination of stretching (static and dynamic) and balancing movements in eight weeks (three sessions per week). The data were analyzed using Kolmogrov- Smirnov, one-way ANOVA, and dependent t-test, at significance level of P≤0.05.
Results:
The results showed that the indices of lower body muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility of lower and upper body, agility, static balance, and dynamic balance in most of experimental groups were considerably improved in comparison with control group (P<0.05). However, the upper body muscle strength and endurance performance did not change significantly after different training programs (P>0.05).
Conclusion:
It may be concluded that it is helpful for elder men who want to improve their physical fitness and movement indices to use the training programs of first group (stretch-balance training with the dominant of dynamic at 60 seconds) and fourth group (stretch-balance training with the dominant of static at 90 seconds).