The Effect of Locomotor Training and Aerobic Exercises on Balance, Fear of Falling, and Lower Limb Strength in Elderly Women With Locomotor Syndrome

Background and aims: Aging is associated with a decline in physical and motor abilities, increasing the risk of falls among the elderly. Accordingly, this study examined the effects of locomotor and aerobic exercises on balance, fear of falling, and lower-limb strength in elderly women with locomotor syndrome. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 45 elderly women aged 60 years and above in Arak from April to May 2025. Participants were selected conveniently and randomly divided into control, aerobic-locomotor, and locomotor groups. Interventions were performed for 8 weeks. Then, the 30-second sit-to-stand test, the standing-to-walking time test, and the four-step balance test were utilized to measure lower limb strength, dynamic balance, and static balance, respectively. Moreover, fear of falling was calculated using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International Questionnaire. Ultimately, data were analyzed by ANCOVA to compare post-test scores between groups, controlling for pretest scores. Results: Both the locomotor and aerobic-locomotor training groups demonstrated significant improvements in all variables. In the locomotor group, fear of falling decreased (P=0.002), while lower limb strength (P=0.02), static balance (P=0.01), and dynamic balance (P<0.001) improved. Similarly, fear of falling declined (P=0.020) in the aerobic locomotor group. However, lower limb strength (P=0.003), static balance (P<0.001), and dynamic balance (P=0.001) significantly enhanced in this group. Finally, no significant changes were observed in the control group (P>0.05). Conclusion: Locomotor and combined aerobic-locomotor training could effectively improve balance and enhance lower limb strength while reducing the fear of falling among older adults.