Introduction: In recent, fall-related injuries of older people are in common condition, leading mortality and disability. We have already investigated risk factors for falls in community-based elderly. The purpose of this study was to develop the prevention program for osteoporotic fracture in elderly, that are focusing on exercise because it is well known that almost risk factors are able to improve through exercise programs in many foreign studies.
Method: We performed exercise intervention program for prevention of slips-and-falls in various places. The elderly at 9 health centers (n=234) were trained one or two times in a week during 4～12 weeks. Basic anthropometric measurements, such as BMI, WHR, and body composition, and physical fitness and performance tests are examined. The exercise programs are consisted of rhythmic exercise, stretching, and weight training.
Result: Before the intervention, there were no significant differences at baseline between exercised (n=234) and control groups (n=60) except WHR. However, after the exercise program, the following were significantly improved: fat percentage (p=0.000), flexibility (p=0.000), muscle endurance (p=0.000), chair stand (p=0.001), walking and rotating performances (p=0.000), static balance(p=0.017), ADL (p=0.000) and physical confidence (p=0.036). Most of those variables are intrinsic factors of slips-and-falls, which we examined in the previous study.
Conclusion: We can suggest that exercise program including rhythmic exercise, stretching, and weight training improved health-related physical fitness, work capacity and independent moving and mobility in elderly. Finally, we concluded that exercise program can reduce risk factors for slip-and-fall and prevent osteoporotic fractures, effectively.
Source: Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology.2002 Oct;6(Suppl II):S112-S112
|