Introduction: Physiological changes in old age lead to a gradual decrease in muscle performance, deterioration of cognitive abilities, and loss of balance. It is essential for older adults to do balance training combined with cognitive tasks and muscule performance training, as safe walking and good balance are major factors affecting the ability to independently carry out everyday tasks and prevent falls. Aim: The aim of this master's thesis was to compare the effect of specific balance training combined with cognitive tasks and the effect of specific muscule performance training of lower limbs on balance and walking speed. Another aim of this master's thesis was to determine what training is more effective for balance improvement. Methods: Our research included 22 subjects. Group 1 did balance training combined with different cognitive tasks, while Group 2 did muscule performance training of lower limbs. Training took place for two weeks and was performed twice a week for 30 minutes, which added up to 16 training units. In order to assess balance and walking speed, the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed Up and Go Test, the Timed Up and Go Test combined with a cognitive task, the Ten Meter Walk Test, and the 30-second Chair Stand Test were used. Results: Group 1 improved their results in the Berg Balance Scale test (for 4 points), in the Timed Up and Go Test (for 1.18 s), and in the Timed Up and Go Test combined with a cognitive task (for 1.22 s). In the other two tests (the Ten Meter Walk Test and the 30-second Chair Stand Test), no statistically significant differences were determined. Group 2 improved their results in the Berg Balance Scale test (for 4 points) and in the Timed Up and Go Test (for 1.37 s). In the other three tests (the Timed Up and Go Test combined with a cognitive task, the Ten Meter Walk Test, and the 30-second Chair Stand Test), no statistically significant differences were determined. Furthermore, when comparing both groups, we determined no significant difference in the achieved results. Discussion and conclusion: The comparison between Group 1 and Group 2 before and after training showed a difference in the results of all tests. However, a statistically significant importance was not determined for any training protocol, as none of them improved test results. For this reason, it cannot be claimed that one type of performed training has a greater impact on balance and walking speed in older adults than others.
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