Abstract

• The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Korean traditional dance movement training on balance, gait and leg strength in elderly women who are forced to remain at home. Fifteen elderly women of an experimental group between the ages 65 and 75 years who have normal vision and passed the hearing and Romberg test, participated in the 12 weeks' dance movement training. Fourteen subjects of a control group were selected. Korean traditional dance movement training was developed on the basis of Korean traditional dance and music by the authors. It took approximately 50 minutes to perform the dance movement program. The subjects of the experimental group practiced dance training for 3 times a week during 12 weeks. During the 50 minutes workout, the subjects practiced 15 minutes of a warm-up dance, 25 minutes of a conditioning dance, and 10 minutes of a cool-down dance. The intensity for the conditioning phase was between 60% and 65% of age-adjusted maximum heart rates. The balance, gait and leg strength were measured prior to and after the experimental treatment. Total balance scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Scores of sternal nudge, one leg standing balance and reaching up among 13 items have significantly increased after the dance movement training. Total scores of gait of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group following the korean traditional dance movement training. Scores of experimental group in step height, path deviation and turning while walking among 9 items have increased significantly following 12 weeks of dance movement training. The leg strength of experimental group was significantly higher than those of the control group following the Korean traditional dance movement training. The balance, gait and leg strength have significantly correlated in the experimental group following the Korean traditional dance movement training. The results suggest that Korean traditional dance movement training can improve balance, gait and leg strength in home bound elderly women.
• Keywords: Korean dance movement training; elderly women; Balance; Gait; Leg strength

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