Purpose: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and the effect size of weekly group exercise sessions on an Airex® pad with an additional home program on the participants’ balance.
Materials and methods: Two training sessions (once a week in-group and once a week as a home program) were administered for 4 weeks. The intervention group (IG) trained on Airex® pads and the control group (CG) without the pad. This study examined the feasibility in terms of recruitment and randomization process, and compliance. Moreover, the effects were evaluated for static, dynamic, and functional balance.
Results: A total of 11 healthy women were recruited, and 10 women completed the 4-week training program (one drop-out was recorded). Of a total of 88 training sessions, 82 were completed. The IG showed a significant difference for one test of dynamic balance.
Conclusion: This pilot study was feasible. However, changes regarding recruitment and compliance should be made for future studies. Sensitive measuring instruments must be used for the evaluation of balance changes.