| Keywords |
Unstable surface ; Combined exercise ; Fall-related fitness ; Gait function ; Elderly women |
| Abstract |
This study was to investigate the effects of unstable surface combined exercise on fall-related fitness and gait function in elderly women. The subjects were 33 elderly women who were randomly divided into exercise group (n=18) and control group (n=15). Subjects have participated in unstable surface combined exercise on a as resistance, balance, and walking exercise 3 times a week for 60 minutes for 12 weeks. Fall-related fitness including isokinetic leg strength, coordination, and balance was measured in accordance to a standardized fitness assessment manual. Gait function including gait speed, stride length, double support, cadence, gait cycle was measured by Optogait. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures were used to test significant time by group interactions for measured variables at α=.05. In results, the fall-related fitness as figure 8 walks (p=.014), functional reach test (p<.001), close-eye standing test (p<.001), isokinetic leg strength (left: p<.019, right: p=.001) and gait function variables as stride length (p=.005), double support (p=.009) were showed significant interaction between measured time and group. In conclusion, the current findings of the study suggest that combined exercise in unstable surface provides a safe and effective means against fall prevention, such as improvement of fall-related fitness and gait function in elderly women. |