Context: Interval cycle training could positively influence dynamic balance in middle-aged women.
Objective: To compare training effects of a strength ergometer and a standard ergometer on 3 dynamic balance tests.
Design: Repeated measures.
Setting: Laboratory.
Participants: Seventeen women were randomly assigned to standard (n = 10) or strength cycle ergometry (n = 7). A control group consisted of 7 women.
Intervention: Ergometry interval training (3 sessions/wk for 4 wk).
Main outcome measures: Three balance tests-the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), timed up-and-go (TUG), and four-square step test (FSST)-were performed at pretraining and 4 wk posttraining.
Results: Four SEBT directions improved and faster scores for FSST and TUG tests for the standard-cycle group were found, whereas the strength-cycle group only improved their TUG scores. No changes posttraining for the control group.
Conclusions: Stationary cycle training should be included in the dynamic balance-rehabilitation protocol for middle-aged women.