Core muscles and core stability has a key component in the postural control or balance. However, no clear evidence has been found for the positive relationship between core stability and postural control in the elderly, and the effects of core stabilizing training on postural control or balance in the elderly. The purposes of this project are to investigate the effects of core stability training program on muscle strength, muscle performance, and balance outcomes in elderly adults.
In this pretest, posttest design study, elderly adults enrolled and assigned to the core exercise group or Tai Chi exercise group, the core exercise group received core exercise intervention comparing to Tai Chi exercise group participated Tai chi exercise program as a control group. The young adults group were also enrolled for a reference group, not received any exercise intervention and just only received the measurements once. Participants in the two elderly group will receive 12-week, 36-session exercise-based core stability training class. The each 60 minutes core exercise class focuses on exercise for improving strength, endurance of core muscles and trunk stability. Participants need complete baseline assessments of muscle performance, and balance ability measures 1 week prior and 1 week and 12 weeks following the intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
71
Participants will receive12-week, 60 minutes, 36-session exercise-based core stability training class. Participants need complete baseline assessments of muscle performance, and balance ability measures 1 week prior and 1 week and 12 weeks following the intervention. All subjects will receive two post-exercise measurements at 13th week and 25th week.
Participants will receive 12-week, 60 minutes, 36-session Tai Chi exercise training class. Participants need complete baseline assessments of muscle performance, and balance ability measures 1 week prior and 1 week and 12 weeks following the intervention. All subjects will receive two post-exercise measurements at 13th week and 25th week.
Changes in strength of core muscle groups (trunk) at 12-week
Using a custom-made isometric dynamometer to measure the strength of trunk flexors, extensors and rotators
Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention
Changes in strength of core muscle groups (hip) at 12-week
Using a hand-held dynamometer to measure the hip muscle strength
Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention
Changes in endurance of core muscle groups at 12-week
Using the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) during the leg-loading test to measure the endurance of lumbo-pelvic stability
Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention
Changes in flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles at 12-week
Using the sit and reach test to measure the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles
Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention
Changes in ability of the dynamic balance at 12-week
Using the Dual-tasking 3m Timed up and go (3m-TUG) to measure dynamic balance and the fall risk. Mean time to perform 3m-TUG is 11.56 seconds
Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention
Changes in assessment of postural control at 12-week
Using a force plate to collect the center of pressure (COP) displacement
Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention
Changes in muscle activity of selected core muscles during performing arm-raising tasks at 12-week
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Using a surface electromyography to record the muscle activity of abdominal and trunk muscles during performing arms-raising tasks with hand-holding 1.5-2 kg
Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention
Changes in assessment of postural control during performing arm-raising tasks at 12-week
Using a force plate to collect the center of pressure (COP) displacement during performing arms-raising tasks with hand-holding 1.5-2 kg
Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention