Abstract
Aging causes a decline in physical function and hormonal balance. Exercise can improve these parameters. However, the beneficial effects of a combined exercise program (Korean dance and yoga) on physical function and hormonal status in elderly women remain unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of a 12-week combined exercise program on balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and hormonal status in elderly Korean women. Twenty-five healthy elderly women were recruited and randomly divided into the control (CON) and exercise (EXE) groups. The EXE group underwent the combined exercise program (60 min/day and 3 times/week) for 12 weeks. The two groups did not differ in body weight, lean body mass, fat mass, body fat percentage, or body mass index at baseline or in the changes following the experimental conditions. A significant time × group interaction was detected for anterior and posterior dynamic balance, static balance, and growth hormone (GH). After the combined exercise program, anterior dynamic balance, posterior dynamic balance, static balance, flexibility, muscle strength, GH, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, and estrogen significantly increased in the EXE group compared to the CON group. In conclusion, the combined exercise program contributed to improvements in overall health, including physical function and hormonal status, in elderly Korean women.
Highlights
The elderly population aged >65 years accounted for 14.3% of the total Korean population in2018 [1], and it is estimated to increase further from 24.3% in 2030 to 40.1% in 2060 [2]
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week combined exercise program on balance, flexibility, muscle strength, growth hormone (GH), DHEA-S, and estrogen in healthy elderly women
A significant time × group interaction was detected for anterior (p = 0.016) and posterior dynamic balance (p = 0.032), static balance (p = 0.003), and GH (p = 0.037) (Table 3)
Summary
The elderly population aged >65 years accounted for 14.3% of the total Korean population in2018 [1], and it is estimated to increase further from 24.3% in 2030 to 40.1% in 2060 [2]. Aging contributes to the multifactorial process that causes decline in physical activity levels, resulting in metabolic dysfunction and unbalanced hormonal status [3,4]. The increasing health costs due to aging urgently need to be addressed [5]. The maintenance of healthy aging by performing physical activity, promoting self-sufficiency, and providing leisure time becomes an important public health issue for improving an individual’s strength. Variations in physical function and balanced hormonal status are among the important determinants of health and functional capacity in elderly women and men [6,7]. Postmenopausal elderly women show decreased balance, resulting in falling accidents which cause muscle injuries, fractures, and neuromuscular dysfunctions [8,9].
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