Stretching exercise program improves gait in the elderly.
BACKGROUND
Ageing is characterized by a number of physical changes that contribute to a decline in the ability to perform daily tasks. Stretching has been proposed to reduce hip flexion contracture and increase hip and pelvis range of motion, thus improving gait performance.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a supervised stretching program designed to improve the range of motion of the lower limbs alters gait kinematics in older adults.


METHODS
Twenty healthy older adult women (65.9 +/- 4.2 years old and BMI 24.9 +/- 3.5) were divided into 2 groups. The experimental group undertook 12 sessions of stretching exercises, whereas the control group did not engage in any physical activity. Gait performance was assessed at the beginning of the experiment and after the 4-week intervention period.


RESULTS
Those in the experimental group showed increased step length, higher velocity and reduced double support time after training. In addition, participants involved in the stretching program showed greater anterior and lateral pelvis tilt and also greater rotation (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Based on our results, we can suggest that a supervised stretching program is effective to alter a number of gait variables. Moreover, after the stretching protocol, aged participants displayed gait parameters which were similar to those reported in young healthy adults. Therefore, stretching can be used as an effective means to improve range of motion and reverse some age-related changes that influence gait performance.
Cristopoliski
Fabiano
F
Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba.
Barela
José Angelo
JA
Leite
Neiva
N
Fowler
Neil E
NE
Rodacki
André L Felix
AL
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D003286:Contracture / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises / Q000379:methods*; D010388:Pelvis / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology