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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of gait training using obstacle on the plantar pressure and contact time in elderly women.
Methods
A total of 24 elderly women who were residing in communities in D city, South Korea aged 79.9 ± 2.2, 154.5 ± 7.6 cm in height, and 56.2 ± 5.2 kg in weight participated in this study. The participants conducted obstacle gait training for 8 weeks and foot contact time and foot pressure right before and after crossing the obstacle were measured for 3 times: before the intervention, at the 4 weeks, and 8 weeks using F-scan (Tekscan, USA).
Results
The results show that foot contact time did not decrease right before crossing the obstacle but decreased right after crossing the obstacle (p < 0.05). Foot pressure moved from the end of the frontal foot to the midfoot (MF) and heel (HL) right before crossing the obstacle (p < 0.05). Foot pressure increased in lesser toe (LT) right after crossing the obstacle (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
These results indicate proper weight distribution in feet, increased foot stability due to increased muscle power and flexibility, and improved strategy to cope with the obstacle. The obstacle gait training may be helpful to the elderly who would either fear for or limit outdoor activities due to the risk of falls based on the result of this study. |