One Session of Beam Walking was Insufficient to Improve Habitual Walking in Healthy Older People

Introduction. Falls among older adults are a significant public health concern worldwide, contributing to both morbidity and mortality. Beam walking is a simple, low-cost exercise that may enhance dynamic balance in older individuals. However, it remains unclear whether improvements in dynamic balance from beam-walking training transfer to habitual walking (i.e., walking without a restricted base of support). Aim. This study aimed to examine the transfer of learning from beam walking to habitual walking in healthy older adults. Method. Twenty participants (aged 60–70 years) were randomly assigned to either a beam walking group (BWG, n=10) or a control group (CG, n=10). Both groups performed habitual walking at their preferred speed during pre- and post-tests. After the pre-test, the BWG completed 40 beam-walking trials (8 blocks of 5 trials each), while the CG underwent an equivalent rest period. We assessed spatiotemporal parameters of habitual walking, including step speed, step width, and double support duration. Results. No significant main effects of group or test were found, nor any interactions between these factors, for any of the spatiotemporal parameters of walking. Conclusion. In conclusion, a single session of beam walking was insufficient to elicit measurable improvements in habitual walking among healthy older adults.