The effects of 6-week walking program on physical performance in institutionalized elderly people

Abstract

Purpose: This study was planned in order to analyze the effects of aerobic training in institutionalized elderly people who lead a sedentary life style. Materials and methods: A total of 25 residents volunteered in this study, but 12 were excluded, as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. The study was completed with 13 male (71.6±5.0 years). All of the subjects were evaluated for flexibility, balance ability, walking cadence by four physical therapists. In addition, Barach index, Dispne Scale and Borg Scale were used to determine fatigue level and energy expenditure at the beginning of every week. 13 subjects attended a 6-week walking program, which consisted of a warm-up, a circuit of walking and, cool-down period for 3 days in a week. Heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate were recorded for each session before and after the daily walking program. Both Dispne and Borg Scales were used at the beginning of each week. Barach index was used to calculate the energy consumption. Results: At the end of the 6-week walking program, all the subjects showed a significant improvement in flexibility (p<0.05), balance ability (p<0.05) and gait cadence (p<0.001). Resting heart rate and diastolic blood pressure showed significant decreases in the subjects (p<0.05). The results of the Barach index showed that all subjects who were included in the study spended less energy for a longer walking distance after a 6-week walking program. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a walking program can be used safely for elderly people, even for old institutionalized subjects. The improvement in walking performance also resulted In increased flexibility, balance ability and, gait cadence.