"Effects of Forward Lunge Training on Balance Control in Elderly Women" by Leigh Bloomfield

Date of Award

2009

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.H.K.

Department

Kinesiology

Keywords

Kinesiology, General.

Supervisor

Frank, James (Kinesiology)

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

Falls among the elderly are a common event and can lead to serious injury. Many studies have linked medial-lateral instability with increased fall risk. The current study aims to answer the following questions:Does lunge training with elderly women improve balance control during the lunge?Does lunge training result in better performance during other balance tasks? Nineteen elderly women were assigned to a 6 week lunge training group or a control group. Balance was assessed and lunges were recorded using a motion analysis system at 0,3and6 weeks. Following training, individuals in the exercise group performed lunges with lower forward trunk velocities F(2,34)=4.13,p<0.025, lower forward pelvis velocities F(2,34)=5.26,p<0.01, lower medial-lateral trunk velocities F(2,34)=6.6,p<0.004 and shorter step lengths F(2,34)=4.83,p<0.016 compared to their controlled counterparts. The use of the forward lunge as the sole training tool with elderly women can improve medial-lateral trunk stability during a lunge by decreasing peak medial-lateral trunk velocity in only six weeks.

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