Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-week multi-component exercise program for improving gait ability, bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle mass with the goal of reducing risk factors for falls in the community-dwelling elderly. Fifteen elderly women aged 75-80 years participated in this study. Eight subjects joined the exercise group and attended the exercise program and the other served as the control group. The exercise program included stretching for 10 minutes, back extension strength training for 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes of weight bearing exercise, and 25 minutes of balance and posture training. The program was conducted 3 times a week for 12 weeks. As a result, body composition in the exercise group showed a significant improvement. The BMD of trochanter and whole body in the exercise group was significantly (p<0.05) increased after the exercise program. Regarding gait and balance ability, the exercise group had a significant improvement (p<0.05). In conclusion, the multi-component exercise training program consisting of weight bearing exercise and gait training was effective in offsetting the decline in BMD and muscle mass in elderly women. In addition, this program had a positive effect on their body composition and gait ability.
