Abstract
[Objective] To ascertain the effectiveness of an intervention to improve balance through exercises with the Stretch Pole padded exercise bar. [Subjects] The subjects were 26 healthy adults. [Methods] Four balance indices, the duration of one-leg standing balance with the eyes closed, performance time in the timed up and go test (TUG), and forward functional reach and lateral functional reach on the functional reach test (FRT), were compared before and after the exercises. [Results] The duration of one-leg standing balance (eyes closed) and the performance time of TUG improved significantly, while forward functional reach decreased significantly. Significant differences in lateral functional reach were not noted. [Conclusion] Exercises to improve balance must be considered carefully since they may not lead to improvement in balance indices in some instances.
