title: The effects of isometric trunk exercises and dynamic trunk exercises on gait in elderly people.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dynamic trunk exercises and isometric trunk exercises on gait in elderly people. [Subjects] This study randomly allocated 20 elderly people to an isometric trunk exercise group (n=10) and a dynamic trunk exercise group (n=10). The exercises were performed for 30 minutes three times a week for 12 weeks. Gait speed, stride length, cadence, and step width were measured at a normal pace using GAITRite. All groups were evaluated before and after 12 weeks. [Results] The isometric exercise group showed a significant change in gait velocity, cadence, and left and right step lengths. The dynamic trunk exercise group showed a significant change in gait velocity, cadence, left and right step lengths, left and right step times, and left and right stride lengths. Moreover, a comparison of the exercise effect between the two groups showed a significant difference in gait velocity. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that isometric trunk exercises and dynamic trunk exercises have a positive effect on gait function in elderly people. In particular, isometric trunk exercises are recommended to promote gait velocity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medical and Health, Pohang College, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Nyeon-Jun
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Suwon Women's University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Sung
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Yeoju Institute of Technology, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Joong-San
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Suwon Women's University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Joo-Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy and Institute for Elderly Health and Welfare, Namseoul University: 21 Maeju-ri, Sungwan-eup, Seobuk-gu, Chonan-si 331-707, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Choi
keywords: Dynamic trunk exercise; Gait; Isometric trunk exercise