In two-week trials involving 39 healthy young adults in Japan, the 10-minute supine routine also reduced body sway and improved side-step performance.
Researchers said gains likely reflected better neuromuscular coordination between trunk and legs, not greater strength or power, as grip strength, jumping distance and sprint speed did not change.
Developed by Yoriko Atomi and colleagues, the low-load programme could offer a safer home-based option for fall prevention and early rehabilitation, though older adults and clinical groups still need direct study.
How do these four simple movements retrain the brain's control over balance, beyond just strengthening muscles?
Are these floor exercises more effective for desk workers than improving workspace ergonomics and taking standing breaks?
The study used healthy young adults. Can this 10-minute routine truly prevent falls in seniors with chronic conditions?