1998 Volume 31 Issue 2 Pages 55-63
The purpose of this study was to compare the balancing ability against abrupt acceleration of elderly males with practicing Judo (Judoists) with that of elderly male walkers (Walkers). In addition, a comparison proprioceptive sense and motor function of Judoists with Walkers were examined. Six Judoists (a mean age of 70.7+2.1 year, mean experience of Judo of 56.2 ± 3.1 years) and seven Walkers (a mean age of 69.3±2.5 years) were volunteered for this study. Changes in the center of foot pressure (CFP)during postural sway against abrupt acceleration were measured for all subjects. Response time and CFP displacement were evaluated for the CFP data. Their sensory and motor function tests (knee proprioceptive sence, muscle strength, flexibility, reaction time, static balance) were also administered.
The following results were obtained.
1. The responce time and CFP displacement were significantly (p <.05) smaller in the Judoists compared to the Walkers.
2. The Judoists exhibited significantly (p<.05) smaller errors in passive knee proprioceptive sense than did the Walkers.
3. The Judoists exhibited significantly (p<.05) greater strength and flexibility of the ankle and hip, and decreased choice reaction time.
These result suggest that the postural balancing ability in the elderly males with practicing Judo was sufficient compared to the elderly males with walking, which was due to the influence of increased proprioceptive function, muscular strength and flexibility of the legs and hips, and decreased choice reaction time in the Judoists.
