낙상 예방을 위한 몸통 안정화 운동이 여성 노인의 균형 능력에 미치는 영향

The Influences of Trunk Stabilization Exercise for Fall Prevention on Balance Ability in Elderly Women

Background: Aging causes muscle weakness, reduced balance, and reduced walking speed. Falls are common in the elderly, and they experience falls mainly due to a lack of balance control. In particular, elderly women experience more falls than elderly men. After experiencing a fall, the ability to movement, strength, and balance decreases, which increases the risk of falling. Torso stabilization exercises increase muscle strength and balance and are recommended for fall prevention. Objectives: A total of 12 weeks of trunk stabilization exercise was conducted for elderly women. Every 4 weeks, the subjects dynamic balance ability, static balance ability and walking ability were evaluated. Through this, the effect of trunk stabilization exercise on each variable was investigated. In addition, we tried to determine whether several weeks of training produced changes in balance and gait ability. Methods: Three tests (functional reach test, timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test) will be administered to elderly women subjects (n = 15). Initial measurements were taken before exercise on the first day, and evaluations were performed after exercise at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. A total of 12 weeks of torso stabilization exercise program has been planned, and training will be conducted once a week (1 hour). The data were analyzed by the one-way repeated measure ANOVA. Results: As the exercise progressed, the static balance, dynamic balance and walking ability significantly increased compared to before exercise. (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A trunk stabilization exercise program of 8 weeks or longer for elderly women will be effective in improving the quality of life of the elderly by reducing the risk of falls. Fall prevention will also reduce the burden on the health care system. Therefore, a trunk stabilization exercise program of 8 weeks or longer for the elderly female is recommended as an exercise to prevent falls and improve quality of life.