---
title: "Effects of 8 Weeks of Balance Training on Strength, Balance, and…"
description: "Combined balance and strength training is most effective for improving fall risk factors in older men, with virtual reality and traditional balance…"
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d33583253.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d33583253.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d33583253.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d33583253"
journal: "Sports Health"
year: 2021
pmid: "33583253"
doi: "10.1177/1941738120986803"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Effects of 8 Weeks of Balance Training on Strength, Balance, and Functional Mobility in Older Men

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Sports Health |
| Year | 2021 |
| PMID | [33583253](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33583253/) |
| DOI | [10.1177/1941738120986803](https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738120986803) |
| Study key | d33583253 |

## Takeaway

Combined balance and strength training is most effective for improving fall risk factors in older men, with virtual reality and traditional balance training also showing benefits.

## The question

Do traditional balance training (BT), virtual reality balance training (VR), or combined exercise (MIX) lead to greater improvements in strength, balance, and functional mobility in older men compared to a waitlist control group (CON)?

## Hypothesis

The researchers hypothesized that 8 weeks of combined exercise (MIX) would lead to the greatest improvements in falls risk factors, followed by similar improvements after traditional balance training (BT) and virtual reality balance training (VR), relative to the control group (CON).

## Methods

Sixty-four community-dwelling older men (average age 71.8 years) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: traditional balance training (BT), virtual reality balance training (VR), combined exercise (MIX), or a waitlist control group (CON). The training groups exercised for 40 minutes, 3 times per week, for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes included isokinetic quadriceps and hamstrings strength, while secondary outcomes assessed 1-legged stance, tandem stance, timed-up-and-go, and gait speed. One-way analyses of covariance were used to compare groups, with baseline scores as covariates.

## Results

Combined exercise (MIX) led to greater improvements in strength, balance, and functional mobility compared to BT, VR, and CON. Virtual reality balance training (VR) showed better balance and functional mobility than BT and CON. Traditional balance training (BT) also demonstrated better balance and functional mobility compared to CON.

## Conclusion

Combined exercise (MIX) is an effective method for improving falls risk factors, including strength, balance, and functional mobility, among older adults. VR and BT also showed benefits in balance and functional mobility compared to control.

## Limitations

This study serves as a preliminary investigation for a larger trial that will be powered to assess actual falls.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> balance training demonstrated better balance and functional mobility relative to control

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Balance and Strength Trainer | Strong evidence | [Balance and Strength Trainer](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/169.md) |

## Reference

1. **Effects of 8 Weeks of Balance Training on Strength, Balance, and Functional Mobility in Older Men**
   Sports Health 2021 · [PMID 33583253](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33583253/) · [DOI 10.1177/1941738120986803](https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738120986803)

   > balance training demonstrated better balance and functional mobility relative to control

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Balance and Strength Trainer](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/169.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
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- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).