Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics (한국운동역학회지)

Korean Society of Applied Biomechanics (한국운동역학회)
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Effect of Aquatic Walking Exercise on Gait and Balance Parameters of Elderly Women

수중걷기운동이 여성노인의 보행 및 평형능력에 미치는 영향

  • Kang, Ki-Joo (Department of Physical Education, Graduate School of Silla University) ;
  • Lee, Joong-Sook (Division of Kinesiology, College of Health and Welfare, Silla University) ;
  • Yang, Jeong-Ok (Division of Kinesiology, College of Health and Welfare, Silla University) ;
  • Park, Joon-Sung (Division of Kinesiology, College of Health and Welfare, Silla University) ;
  • Han, Ki-Hoon (Department of Physical Education, Pusan National University)
  • Received : 2020.01.10
  • Accepted : 2020.01.22
  • Published : 2020.03.31
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Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of aquatic walking exercise on gait and balance parameters of elderly women. Method: 15 elderly people were recruited for this study (age: 73.20±5.19 yrs, height: 153.87±3.36 cm, mass: 60.33±5.73 kg). All variables were measured using Gaitview AFA-50. The variables were the heel contact time ratio, gait angle, and M/P change ratio for gait patterns and ENV, REC, RMS, Total Length, TLC, Sway velocity, and Length/ENV for balance abilities. A paired t-test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were carried out to verify the differences in the test scores after participating in the water walking program. The significance level for all statistical analyses was set to α=.05. Results: As for the changes in their walking function after the exercise, heel contact time ratio (p<.01) showed a statistical significance, while gait angle and M/P change ratio did not reveal statistically significant differences. In the test of balance ability on both feet and with eyes opened, statistical significance was found in ENV, REC, RMS, TLC (p<.01), and sway velocity (p<.05), while the test with eyes closed showed statistical significance in length/ENV as well as ENV, REC, RMS, sway velocity (p<.01) TLC, and total length (p<.05). As for the single-leg stance balance ability, ENV and REC revealed statistically significant differences. Conclusion: These results show that water walking is effective for improving the function of the ankle flexor muscles, providing stability to the ankle joint during walking and helping efficient walk. In addition, it is also expected to help prevent falls due to loss of balance by improving the stability of lower extremity muscles and trunk.

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