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Background: In at-risk older adults, gait speed is an important factor associated with quality of life and falling risk. In this study, we assessed whether therapeutic exercise could improve gait speed. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the 'best' therapeutic exercise method by analyzing each exercise in terms of intensity, type, and several gait speed indices. For the analysis, we gathered 122 papers through a database search and selected 9 (n=627) that were appropriate for the meta-analysis. Results: In 8 of the 9 included papers, gait speed improved with therapeutic exercise. Usual gait speed (n=246) improved more than maximal gait speed (n=574). A resistance program was more effective than a nonresistance program for improving maximal, but not usual, gait speed. We also found that the effects of therapeutic exercise were greater in noncommunity than in community-dwelling elderly people. Conclusion: In conclusion, therapeutic exercise was effective in improving gait speed.
Supported by : Ministry of Health & Welfare