Effects of a short-term exercise program on motor function and whole body reaction time in the elderly

V. Zisi, M. Michalopoulou, G. Tzetzis, E. Kioumourtzoglou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a short-term exercise program on certain abilities considered important for motor function in the elderly. Thirty independent living older adults, aged 60 - 83 years old, voluntarily participated in the study, randomly assigned to an exercise (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). After 9 weeks of training, significant improvements of finger dexterity, hip and spine flexibility, and left leg static balance were noted in the exercise group. There were also improvements but not significant, in whole body reaction time and mean grip strength. Control group showed a significant decline in flexibility and whole body reaction time. A short-term exercise program might have positive effects on maintaining or even reversing the declines of age on motor performance and whole body reaction time, in a manner similar to exercise programs of longer duration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)145-160
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Human Movement Studies
Volume40
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2001

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