Effect of a therapeutic-combined exercise on executive function and gait performance in elderly

• Main Authors: Yuan-Li Wang, 王媛黎
• Other Authors: Yea-Ru Yang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/70483807652123612311

碩士 === 國立陽明大學 === 物理治療暨輔助科技學系 === 101 === Background and Purpose: Executive function (EF) is a high-level cognition which can adjust, maintain and control the information in response system. According to literature review, training focusing on strength, balance and endurance, so called the therapeutic-combined exercise, can enhance physical performance including gait. However, the effects on improvement of gait variability and gait performance of dual task are limit. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of a 12-week therapeutic-combined exercise on executive function and gait performance in elderly. Methods: This is a clinical controlled trial. Twenty-nine elderly were recruited and assigned to either exercise group (N=17) or control group (N=12). The 12-week intervention was a combined exercise program for 1 hour per day and 3 days per week. The participants received assessment of executive function, strength and gait at pre-intervention, mid-intervention (8 weeks), and post-intervention. The Executive Interview was used to assess EF. GAITRite was used to evaluate gait. There were four conditions to measure gait performance including habitual speed, fast speed, serial seven and naming animal. Results: Our results showed significant interaction effects on time x group for the Executive Interview, gait parameters, gait variability, 6 minutes walking test and the strength of lower extremities. Conclusions: To elderly, a 12-week therapeutic-combined exercise is effective in improving executive function and gait performance in single or dual task. Also, this program has a positive effect on gait variability.