title: Analysis of Core Stability Exercise Effect on the Physical and Psychological Function of Elderly Women Vulnerable to Falls during Obstacle Negotiation.
abstract: [Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of core stability exercise (CSE) on the physical and psychological functions of elderly women while negotiating general obstacles. [Subjects and Methods] After allocating 10 elderly women each to the core stability training group and the control group, we carried out Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) and measured crossing velocity (CV), maximum vertical heel clearance (MVHC), and knee flexion angle for assessing physical performances. We evaluated depression and fear of falling for assessing psychological functions. [Results] Relative to the control group, the core stability training group showed statistically significant overall changes after the training session: an increase in POMA scores, faster CV, lower MVHC, and a decrease in knee flexion angle. Furthermore, depression and fear of falling decreased significantly. [Conclusion] CSE can have a positive effect on the improvement of physical and psychological performances of older women who are vulnerable to falls as they negotiate everyday obstacles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Chosun University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Dae-Sik
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Gwangju Health University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Dae-In
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health and Science, Kangwon National University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Mi-Ae
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Jeong
keywords: Core stabilization exercises; Elderly women; Falls