Square Stepping Exercise And Fall Risk Factors In Older Adults

Abstract

PURPOSE: The square stepping exercise (SSE) is a low-cost, indoor exercise program for improving a fall risk factor, i.e., the functional fitness of the lower extremities. This study aimed to examine the effect of the SSE compared to walking (W) on fall risk factors. METHODS: Sixty-eight community-resident older adults (age, 65–74 years) were randomly allocated to the SSE or W group. The SSE group participated in 70-min exercise sessions twice a week for 12 weeks at the local health center. The W group participated in a weekly supervised walking session and was instructed to increase the number of daily steps during the same period. Before and after the program, information on 11 physical performance tests of known fall risk factors and 3 self-reported scales was gathered. Fall incidence was followed up for 8 months. RESULTS: Improvements in leg strength and power (2 items), balance (3 items), agility (2 items), and reaction (2 items) in the SSE group were significant. Leg strength and power (1 item) and agility (1 item) were significantly improved in the W group. Pleasure experienced during exercise significantly increased in each group; however perceived health status significantly increased in only the SSE group. During the follow-up period, the fall rate per person in the SSE group (15.6%) was lower than that in the W group (25.8%). CONCLUSIONS: SSE is more effective than walking in improving fall risk factors; thus, SSE and walking may be recommended for older adults as a health promotion exercise.