Temporal change in gait ability during exercise intervention in day care rehabilitation.

Abstract

【Objective】The purpose of this study was to examine the temporal change in gait ability resulted from exercise intervention in day care rehabilitation. 【Methods】Eighteen elderly subjects who received our day care rehabilitation services that specialized in exercise for more than 6 months participated in this study. The changes in the “10 m walking time”and “Timed up and go test”(TUG) were analyzed for 6 months retrospectively. 【Results】A one-month exercise intervention quickened the “10 m walking time”significantly (p<0.01), and a 2-month exercise intervention quickened the TUG significantly (p< 0.01). However, there were no further significant changes in both tests. 【Conclusion】The results of this study, as assessed by the “10 m walking time”and TUG,suggest that in day care rehabilitation approximately 2 months of an exercise intervention period is necessary to improve gait ability.