손가락기능운동 프로그램이 여성노인의 인지능력과 주의집중력에 미치는 영향

Effects of Finger Function Exercise Program on Cognitive Ability and Attention of Elderly Women

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the finger function exercise programs on cognitive ability and attention of the elderly women. In order to accomplish the purpose of this study, 9 elderly women of exercise group and 12 of comparison group were selected from among women over the age of 65 who belong to the Senior Citizens’ Association of D city, and cognitive ability and attention of which were measured before and after participating in the exercise programs(performed 3 times a week for 12 weeks). The exercise program, which was conducted on women aged over 65 years for 12 weeks, had a positive effect on cognitive improvement. There were significant differences in the ‘K-MMSE total score, orientation (time), attention and calculation’. The Finger Function Exercise Program had a positive effect on improving attention. Significant differences shown in the all three Cancellation tasks of ‘character, number and symbol’, with greater variation in the exercise group. In conclusion, the 12-week program of Finger Function Exercise Program has contributed to the improvement of cognitive and attention of women aged over 65 years. We suggest that the results of this study provide some data needed to prevent and delay dementia in the elderly and improve brain health.