title: Influence of the Flo-Dynamics Movement System intervention on measures of performance in older persons.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fall-related injuries associated with aging are a serious clinical and economic problem. The Flo-Dynamics Movement System (FDMS), which consists of eight movements with a water-filled device, may be a useful low-impact exercise suited for older persons. This study investigated the effects of the FDMS regimen with the Wun-Jo trainer on measures of strength, flexibility, and balance in older individuals.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a quasi-experimental study, 15 healthy subjects aged 61-79 years participated in an FDMS exercise program with the Wun-Jo trainer, consisting of three weekly 30-minute sessions. The following measures were assessed pretraining and after 8 weeks of training: knee flexor and extensor isokinetic strength; grip strength; the Short Physical Performance Battery; functional reach; and low back and hamstring flexibility. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance, with statistical significance set at the P ≤ 0.05 confidence level.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sit and reach test scores significantly increased (+21%) from baseline to week 8 (P < 0.001). Forward-left functional reach testing significantly increased (P = 0.012), while forward-right functional reach testing did not change (P = 0.474). Both left-lateral (P = 0.012) and right-lateral (P = 0.036) functional reach scores improved. Grip strength increased in both the left (+11.9%) and right (+14.5%) hands (P < 0.001 for each). Isokinetic knee extension at 60° per second increased for the left (+15.6%) and right (+17.6%) significantly (P = 0.001 for each). Isokinetic knee flexion at 60° per second significantly increased for both the left (+43.2%, P = 0.010) and right (+41.7%, P < 0.001). Time to complete the ten-repetition chair stand decreased significantly (-31%, P = 0.004). The 8-feet walk time also significantly decreased (-21.6%, P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participating in the FDMS with the Wun-Jo device may improve balance, low back and hamstring flexibility, walking speed, and knee extensor/flexor and grip strength in older individuals. FDMS training provides an alternative to traditional exercise and offers an effective strategy to increase functional ability in the elderly.
authors.affiliation: University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA. lcarlson@une.edu
authors.forename: Lara A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Carlson
authors.forename: Alexander J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Koch
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lawrence
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water
keywords: aging; balance; exercise
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