1Dept. of Nursing, Seoul Health College 2Dept. of Nursing, Seoul Health College
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a Rhythmical Exercise Program(REP) on physiological functions such as muscle strength, blood pressure, pulse, flexibility and body fat in the elderly. The research employed a non-equivalent control group pre-post test quasi experimental design. REP consisted of 45 minutes of dance, 3 times a week for 10 weeks. The formulated hypothesis were examined using the non-parametric statistics; Wilcoxon Signed rank sum test and Mann-Whitney test. The results are as follows; 1. The upper muscle strength and lower muscle strength of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group following the REP(P<.0 5). And the Period of REP affected the muscle strength; the longer the exercise period, the stronger the muscle strength became. 2. The systolic blood pressure of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group following the REP(p<.05). But there was no significant difference in the diastolic blood pressure between the experimental and control groups. The period of REP affected only systolic pressure; the longer the exercise period, the lower the systolic pressure became. 3. There was no significant difference in heart rate between the experimental and control groups, following the exercise period. 4. The flexibility of the experimental group was significantly higher than those of the control group following the REP(p<.01). And the period of REP affected flexibility; the longer the exercise period, the higher the flexibility(p<.05) became. 5. There was no significant difference of body fat between the experimental and control groups. The body fat of the experimental groups was significantly lower only 10 weeks after exercise(p<.01). Based on these results, it is suggested that rhythmical exercise program improves muscle strength, systolic pressure, and flexibility in the elderly.
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