Changes in Resting Pulse Rate and Static Balance After Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise in Older Women

Abstract

Background: Aging is associated with changes in cardiovascular regulation and postural control that may contribute to functional decline and fall vulnerability. Low-impact aerobic exercise may provide an accessible form of physical activity for older adults; however, evidence describing concurrent changes in resting pulse rate and static balance remains limited.
Objective: To examine changes in resting pulse rate and static balance after a four-week low-impact aerobic exercise program in older women.
Methods: This pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest study included 20 community-dwelling women aged 60 to 75 years recruited through purposive sampling in Badung Regency, Indonesia. Participants performed low-impact aerobic exercise three times weekly for four weeks, totaling 12 sessions of approximately 30 minutes. Resting pulse rate was measured using a Taff Omicron pulse oximeter, and static balance was assessed using the One Leg Stand Test. Paired data were reanalyzed to estimate mean differences, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and standardized effect sizes.
Results: Mean resting pulse rate decreased from 78.95 ± 5.41 to 72.80 ± 5.90 beats/min, with a mean difference of 6.15 beats/min (95% CI 5.663 to 6.637; t[19] = 26.446; p < 0.001; Cohen's dz = 5.91). Static balance increased from 5.15 ± 2.09 to 7.41 ± 2.11 seconds, with a mean difference of 2.252 seconds (95% CI 1.744 to 2.760; t[19] = 9.283; p < 0.001; Cohen's dz = 2.08).
Conclusion: The program was followed by lower resting pulse rate and improved static balance. Controlled studies are needed to determine causal and clinical significance.