Acute Effects of 5 Min of Plantar Flexor Static Stretching on Balance and Gait in the Elderly

作者：Han Min Jung; Yuk Goon Chang; Hwangbo Gak; Suh Soon Rim; Kim Seong Gil^*

来源：Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2014, 26(1): 131-133.

DOI：10.1589/jpts.26.131

• Elderly
• Static stretching
• Postural balance

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of five minutes of plantar flexor static stretching (PSS) on the balance and gait of the elderly. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-five subjects aged 65 years and above performed 5 min of PSS in the form of wedge board standing. The sway length of each subject%26apos;s center of mass was measured to examine the subject%26apos;s static balance. It was measured by one minute of quiet standing with the eyes closed. Functional reach tests (FRTs), timed up and go tests (TUGs), and 10-meter walk tests (10MWTs) were performed to examine dynamic balance and gait before and after PSS. [Results] The outcome showed significant increases in sway distances (6.55 +/- 5.03 cm) after stretching. However, in the FRTs, TUGs, and 10MWTs, the reach distance and time did not show any significant changes. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the elderly subjects temporarily experienced difficulties in maintaining balance immediately after the PSS but that their dynamic balance and gait were not adversely affected after a short period of time. Therefore, to prevent falls and perform exercises in a safe way, it is recommended to allow patients to rest after performing PSS.

• 出版日期2014-1