EXAMINING PHYSICAL FUNCTIONING IN OLDER ADULTS: A COMPARISON OF TWO STRETCHING PRACTICE METHODS

Abstract

While the benefits of stretching are known, there remains controversy regarding the best methods of stretching practice for improving physical function in older adults. The aim of this study is to compare two stretching practices (instructed stretching practice vs. self-stretching practice using a guide at home) in terms of their effectiveness in improving physical function in older adults. Participants comprised 82 Japanese community-dwelling older adults (instructed group: n=46, 71.2 ± 4.5 yrs; non-instructed group: n=36, 71.1 ± 4.9 yrs). We provided a guide illustrating stretching exercises for both groups, and encouraged all participants to stretch at home. In the instructed group, we also provided a weekly 60-minute stretching class each week for nine weeks. We evaluated the following physical functions: upper and lower extremity muscle strength, static and dynamic balance, and normal and maximum walking speed and flexibility. In our results, stretching was practiced significantly more frequently in daily life in the instructed group (6.1 days a week) than in the non-instructed group (1.1 days a week) (P<0.05). There was a significant group-by-time interaction for flexibility (P<0.05), with post-hoc analysis showing significant improvements only in the instructed group (P<0.05). We found a significant group-by-time interaction for maximum walking speed (P<0.05), with post-hoc analysis showing significant improvements in the instructed group only (P<0.05). These results suggest that it is necessary to stretch almost daily to achieve improvements in physical function over nine weeks. Additionally, we conclude that a visual demonstration with an instructor is an important addition to the stretching guide.