Functional Training effects on Gait Speed, COD Agility and Balance in Older Male Adults

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the effects of an 8-week supervised functional training programme on gait speed, change-of-direction (COD), and dynamic balance among community-dwelling older men.

Methods: Twenty older men participants (60 ≤ age ≤ 65) participated in a single group pre & post-trial. The intervention included four 35–45 min sessions per week for 8 weeks, integrating strength, balance, coordination, and aerobic components with progressive overload (RPE 5–7). Outcomes included the 400-metre Walk Test (gait speed), 505- test (change-of-direction) and Y-Balance Test (dynamic balance) assessed before and after training. Paired-sample t-tests determined pre–post differences, with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) Cohen’s d and percentage change (Δ%) calculated.

Results: All outcomes improved significantly (p < 0.001). COD Agility (505 test) time decreased from 6.00 ± 1.32 s to 4.01 ± 0.36 s (Δ = −33.2 %, d = 1.92), gait speed improved from 4.63 ± 0.65 min to 3.90 ± 0.63 min (Δ = −15.9 %, d = 1.24), and Y-Balance reach distance increased on the right leg from 193.6 ± 33.5 cm to 234.3 ± 27.6 cm (d = 1.58) and left leg from 194.4 ± 30.1 cm to 232.5 ± 28.8 cm (d = 1.55). The composite balance score improved by approximately 20 %. Attendance exceeded 95 %, and no adverse events occurred.

Conclusions: An 8-week functional training exercise programme produced large to very large improvements in gait speed, COD (change-of-direction) speed, and dynamic balance among community-dwelling male older adults. The programme was safe, feasible, and aligned with WHO (World health Authority) and ACSM recommendations for fall-prevention exercise, supporting its potential as a scalable strategy to enhance mobility and reduce fall risk in ageing populations.