Quasi-Experimental Comparison of Resistance Band Exercise and Tandem Walking on Dynamic Balance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Background: Age-related decline in dynamic balance is a major contributor to falls and functional limitations among older adults. Exercise-based physiotherapy interventions, including resistance band exercise and tandem walking, are frequently implemented in community settings; however, evidence directly comparing their effectiveness remains limited.
Objective: To compare the effects of resistance band exercise and tandem walking on dynamic balance in community-dwelling older adults.
Methods: A quasi-experimental non-randomized comparative study was conducted among 30 community-dwelling older adults aged 60–75 years with impaired dynamic balance, defined as a Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) score greater than 10 seconds. Participants were allocated to a resistance band exercise group (n = 15) and a tandem walking group (n = 15). Both interventions were administered twice weekly for six weeks under supervised conditions. Dynamic balance was assessed using the TUGT. Within-group changes were analyzed using paired t-tests, and between-group differences were examined using independent t-tests. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d.
Results: Both intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements in dynamic balance after six weeks (p < 0.001). The resistance band exercise group showed a greater reduction in TUGT completion time compared with the tandem walking group, with a statistically significant between-group difference (p = 0.045; Cohen’s d = 0.62).
Conclusion: Both resistance band exercise and tandem walking may be beneficial for improving dynamic balance in community-dwelling older adults. Resistance band exercise demonstrated a greater magnitude of improvement; however, findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the non-randomized design.