Physical Improvement in Elderly Female after Training: Sit Up and Speed Gait

S aim. Deambulation is a basic activity to preserve elderly independence. Indeed, a good gait leads to decrease risk of falls. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of balance and strenght training on typical dayly action. In particular, lower limb, abdominal and gluteos muscles were trained by voluntary action. Material and methods. Sixteen volunteer elderly women (age=69±5,03 years; weight=63,75±9,02 kg; height=1,60±0,06 m; BMI=25,11±3,68 kg m-2) participated in this study. The group performed strength and balance training for eight week (2 days per week, 1 hour each): training loads were increased every two week according to the subjects’ feedback. The physical efficacy was tested throught two senior fitness tests: chair stand test and 8 foot up and go test. The skills to conserve balance in static and dinamic action were tested through the widespread Tinetti test. A control group was, also, tested during the same session but no physical training was administered. Results. Balance and strength training were related to gait performance. Indeed, all people increased the Tinetti score (at least one point), their performance about stand up and sit on the chair (19%), and decreased the time spent to stand up, walking a straight path with change of sense and return to sit on the chair (from 7,84 sec to 6,33 sec). The control group showed improvement but not significative from a statistic point of view. Conclusions. The balance and strenght training allow to improve (p