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This study aims to quantitatively assess the effects of vigorous and light physical activity (VPA, LPA) on static balance, gait and sit-to-stand (STS) tasks in a cohort of healthy older adults.

To this end, 34 individuals of age >65 years were divided into two groups (n = 17 each) who underwent 36 sessions (3 × 12 weeks) of PA characterized by different levels of intensity, assessed through continuous heart rate monitoring during the training session. Their balance and mobility were objectively evaluated on the basis of postural sway and time of STS measurements performed using a force platform. The main spatiotemporal parameters of gait (i.e. speed, stride and gait cycle duration, stance, swing and double support phase duration) were also acquired using a wearable inertial measurement unit.

The results show that most gait parameters and STS time significantly improve in the VPA group but not in the LPA one. For the …