Henri Dibra1, Robert Citozi1, Vlad Adrian Geantă2
1Sports University of Tirana, Faculty of Physical Activity and Recreation, Tirana, Albania
2Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Arad, Romania
Recreational Exercise as a Preventive Strategy for Balance Decline in Late Middle Age Adults
Sport Mont 2026, 24(3), Ahead of Print | DOI: 10.26773/smj.261006
Abstract
Age-related decline in balance may begin during late middle adulthood (55–65 years), increasing the risk of future falls and functional limitations. Evidence regarding recreational exercise as a preventive strategy in this population remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week recreational exercise program on balance in adults aged 55–65 years. A quasi-experimental controlled pre–post design included 60 participants (experimental group: n=30; con- trol group: n=30). The experimental group completed a supervised recreational exercise program four times per week for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained usual activities. Balance was assessed using Leonardo Mechanog- raphy during tandem and single-leg stance under eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Center of pressure variables included standard ellipse area, path length, and equilibrium index. Non-parametric statistical tests were applied. The ex- perimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in all center of pressure parameters compared with the control group (p<0.05), particularly under eyes-closed and single-leg stance conditions. Large effect sizes indicated enhanced postural control, reduced sway magnitude, and improved sensory integration. The control group showed min- imal changes or slight deterioration in several variables. A 12-week recreational exercise program significantly improved static and dynamic balance in adults aged 55–65 years, supporting its role as a preventive strategy for early postural decline.
Keywords
balance, recreational exercise, postural control, center of pressure, middle-aged adults, fall prevention
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