Balance training in men and women: Effect on knee extensors and flexors

Men and women differ in strength according to the muscle mass of knee extensors and flexors. Side differences between left and right are frequently reported. We measured isokinetic strength and balance performance in 7 men and 8 women and calculated side differences before and after 6 weeks of balance training conducted twice a week for 25 min. Before training, extension and flexion strengths were 70% and 72% higher in men compared to women, respectively. After training gain was 12% for both groups. The side differences of 10% in men and 11% in women for extensors and 7.7 and 10% for the flexors were reduced to 1.0 and 0.8% and 2.0 and 1.1%, respectively. All participants improved balance performance in one leg standing time. Men and women with comparable anthropometric data and level of physical activity improved strength by balance training without strength training. This study also underscores importance of balance training as a preventive measure especially in old age.