scholarly journals The Influence of Nordic Walking on Spinal Posture, Physical Function, and Back Pain in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1303
Author(s):  
Yi-Hung Huang ◽  
I-Yao Fang ◽  
Yi-Liang Kuo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Nordic Walking ◽  
Spinal Posture ◽  
Extensor Muscles ◽  
Physical Functions ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Back Extensor

Nordic walking is an increasingly popular form of exercise among the elderly. Using poles is thought to facilitate a more upright posture; however, previous studies primarily investigated the effects of Nordic walking on respiratory function and physical fitness. The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of Nordic walking on spinal posture, physical functions, and back pain in community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-one community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 60 years participated in a twice weekly Nordic walking training program for 12 weeks. The outcome measures, including spinal posture, physical functions, back pain, and the strength and endurance of back extensor muscles were assessed before and after a 12-week program. After training, spinal posture, back pain, and the strength and endurance of back extensor muscles did not show any statistically significant changes. Among the seven clinical tests of physical function, only the 30 s arm curl test, the 30 s chair stand test, and the single leg stance test showed significant improvements. Nordic walking has limited influence on age-related hyperkyphosis and back pain, but may be effective for physical function. The results of this study can provide useful information for people involved in the prevention and treatment of physical dysfunction in community-dwelling older adults.

Clustering of Domain-Specific Sedentary Behaviors and Their Association With Physical Function Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 709-714
Author(s):  
Seigo Mitsutake ◽  
Ai Shibata ◽  
Kaori Ishii ◽  
Shiho Amagasa ◽  
Hiroyuki Kikuchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Television Viewing ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background: The present study examined the cluster of domain-specific sedentary behaviors (SBs) and their associations with physical function among community-dwelling older adults to identify the target groups that require intervention for SBs. Methods: A total of 314 older adults who participated in a population-based cross-sectional survey and an on-site functional assessment in Matsudo City in Chiba participated in this study. Participants were asked to report the daily average of 6 domain-specific SBs. To identify the cluster of domain-specific SBs, hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using the Ward method. Analysis of covariance adjusted for sociodemographic factors, exercise habit, chronic disease, and total SB time was performed to examine the associations between each cluster and physical functional status. Results: The average age of the participants was 74.5 (5.2) years. The 4 clusters identified were leisure cluster, low cluster, work and personal computer use cluster, and television viewing cluster. The analysis of covariance adjusted for covariates showed that grip strength (P = .01), maximum walking speed (P = .03), and 1-leg standing time (P = .03) were significantly poorer in the television viewing cluster than other clusters. Conclusions: It has been concluded that the television viewing group identified as a high-risk group of physical functional decline; therefore, interventions targeting this group are needed to prevent physical functional decline.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document