Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 PhD. Student of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of an eight-week water trampoline exercise program on balance, muscle strength, gait performance, and proprioception in elderly men. Thirty elderly male participants were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (15 participants) and control (15 participants). Before and after the eight-week (three sessions per week), static balance (functional reach test), dynamic balance (timed up and go test), muscle strength (isokinetic dynamometer and 30-second sit-to-stand test), hamstring-to-quadriceps muscle strength ratio (isokinetic ), knee proprioception (isokinetic ), and gait performance (foot scan system) were measured. Fall risk was assessed using the Hopkins Falls Risk Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using repeated measures analysis of variance (p<0.05).
significant differences were observed in post-test compared to pre-test for static balance (p=0.030) and dynamic balance (p=0.001). Gait performance showed significant differences in the right leg component (p=0.010) and left leg component (p=0.030), while no significant differences were observed in other factors (p> 0.05). Proprioception (p=0.02), overall lower limb muscle strength (p=0.001), knee flexor strength (p=0.001), and knee extensor strength (p=0.03) showed significant differences. However, no significant difference was observed in the hamstring-to-quadriceps muscle strength ratio (p=0.38). Additionally, fall risk was significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group (p<0.05).
Based on the results, water trampoline exercise improves static and dynamic balance, muscle strength, and reduces fall risk in elderly men. Therefore, water trampoline exercises are recommended for the elderly to help improve their balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)