The Effect of a Thera-band Exercise Program on the Physical Function of Elderly Women

탄력밴드 운동프로그램이 여성노인의 신체기능에 미치는 효과

Purpose : This study is to identify the effect of a thera-band exercise program on the physical function of elderly women. Methods : The subjects included 54 elderly women who participated in the program at J Senior Welfare Center in Jeollabuk-do. They were divided into two groups, 30 elderly women of control group and 24 of experimental group. A thera-band exercise program was conducted to both groups for total eight weeks-three times a week with a 50-minute period. After/before the experiment, the following seven categories were estimated for each subject: cardiopulmonary endurance, lower extremity power, upper extremity power, muscle endurance, flexibility, equilibrium, and agility. Results : There was a significant increase on the physical function of all the subjects in the experimental group and the control one after the experiment. Furthermore, the experimental group showed more meaningful improvement than the control one. Conclusion : On the basis of these findings, the thera-band exercise program contributes the enhancement of physical function of elderly women. Thus, more various physical exercise program should be developed for healthy aging.