| This
study examined the effects of hormone replacement combined with strength
training on improving dynamic balance control in post-menopausal women.
Thirty one participating post-menopausal women were divided into three
groups (hormone replacement (HR), non-hormone replacement (NR) and
control (CR) group). HR and NR groups were tested for muscle strength
and balance control during gait, prior to training and following a
six week lower body strength training program. Quadriceps muscle strength
was evaluated as isokinetic peak torque (60°·sec-1) using
a CYBEX NORM and balance control was evaluated by center of mass -
base of support relationships and ground reaction forces during gait
perturbations. Only the HR group showed significantly (p < 0.05)
improved balance control during the initial phase of unexpected gait
termination and single stance periods while walking across uneven
terrain following training. The strength gains in the HR group tended
to be greater than in the NR group over the six week training program,
although neither group showed statistically significant increases.
The CR group showed no significant differences between testing times.
HR in post-menopausal females may enhance dynamic balance control
when combined with a strength training program, even if no statistically
significant gains in strength are achieved.
KEY
WORDS: Estrogen replacement, gait, balance, strength.
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