Abstract

• The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of walk training on leg strength, flexibility, postural stability, balance and gait in home bound elderly women. Eighteen elderly women of the experimental group aged between 70 and 90 years image who have normal vision, hearing and Romberg test. They participated in the 12 week walk training. The subjects of the experimental group practiced walk training 3 times a week for during 12 weeks. During the 40 minute workout, the subjects practiced 5 minutes of warming-up exercises, 30 minutes of conditioning exercises and 10 minutes of a cool-down exercise. The intensity for the conditioning phase was determined by subject' heart rates, which ranged from 60% to 70% of age-adjusted maximum heart rates. The body composition, leg strength, flexibility, postural stability, balance and gait were measured prior to and after the experimental treatment. The body fat, lean body mass, leg strength (ankle dorsiflexor, plantarflexor, inversor and eversir, knee flexor, extensior), flexibility (range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion and eversion), and postural stability of the experimental group were significantly greater than those of the control group. Duration of standing on the right foot and that of standing on the left foot of the experimental group was greater than that of the control group. Total balance scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Among 13 items for balance, the scores of experimental group in balance with eyes closes, turning balance, sternal nudge, neck turning, one leg standing balance and back extension were higher than those of the control group. Total scores of gait of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group following the walking training. Scores of experimental group in step height, step length and walk stance while walking among 9 items for gait were significantly higher than those of the control group. The results suggest that walk training can improve physical fitness for prevention in home bound elderly women.
• Keywords: Home Bound elderly; Walking training; Leg strength; Flexibility; Postural stability; Balance; Gait

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