Citation

Kim NJ, Kim JS, Wang JS, Park JH, Choi JH. J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 2015; 27(6): 1685-1689.

Affiliation

Department of Physical Therapy and Institute for Elderly Health and Welfare, Namseoul University: 21 Maeju-ri, Sungwan-eup, Seobuk-gu, Chonan-si 331-707, Republic of Korea.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Society of Physical Therapy Science)

DOI

10.1589/jpts.27.1685

PMID

26180298

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dynamic trunk exercises and isometric trunk exercises on gait in elderly people. [Subjects] This study randomly allocated 20 elderly people to an isometric trunk exercise group (n=10) and a dynamic trunk exercise group (n=10). The exercises were performed for 30 minutes three times a week for 12 weeks. Gait speed, stride length, cadence, and step width were measured at a normal pace using GAITRite. All groups were evaluated before and after 12 weeks. [Results] The isometric exercise group showed a significant change in gait velocity, cadence, and left and right step lengths. The dynamic trunk exercise group showed a significant change in gait velocity, cadence, left and right step lengths, left and right step times, and left and right stride lengths. Moreover, a comparison of the exercise effect between the two groups showed a significant difference in gait velocity. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that isometric trunk exercises and dynamic trunk exercises have a positive effect on gait function in elderly people. In particular, isometric trunk exercises are recommended to promote gait velocity.

Language: en