The Effect of Aquatic Exercise on the Peak Torque and Stability of Knee Joints of Elderly Women

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aquatic exercise using Taekwondo Poomsae motions on the peak torque and stability of elderly women's knee joints. [Subjects] The study subjects were conducted with 23 elderly women who were divided into an Aquatic Exercise Group (AEG, n=12) and a Control Group (CG, n=11). [Methods] The knee joint peak torque was assessed using an ISOMED 2000 (D&R GmbH, Germany) and the stability was analyzed using a Balance System SD (BIODEX, U.S.A). [Results] Based on the results of the analysis of changes in knee joint peak torque and stability, the AEG showed significant improvement in all items of knee joint peak torque (RFF, RFE, LFF, LFE) and stability (O, A/P, M/L) after the intervention compared to before the intervention, while the CG did not show any significant changes. [Conclusion] Aquatic exercises using Taekwondo Poomsae motions can be utilized as a new exercise program to help reinforce elderly womenÅfs muscular function and enhance their stability.