Yaşlılarda Beden Perküsyonunun Denge veKoordinasyon Üzerine Etkisi

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determine the effects of body percussion (BP) on balance and coordination in elderly people. Material and Methods: We analyzed fifty participants by randomly assigning them to intervention and control groups. The intervention group had percussion work for 3 days per week, whereas the control group did not participate in percussion. The groups' static balance was evaluated with Romberg, Single Leg Stance Test, and Functional Reach, while the evaluation of dynamic balance was based on 360° Turn Test and Four Step Square Test. Lastly, the Berg Balance Scale was used to measure the functional balance, along with the ruler drop test for reaction time. Multiple measures such as finger to nose, supination-pronation, knee heel, Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test, and Soda Pop Coordination Test were used to demonstrate the effects on the coordination. The first measurements were made at the beginning of the study, followed by the comparison measurements at the 8th week. Results: The results pointed out that significant intra-group differences were found in the intervention group in terms of the Single Leg Stance Test and the Functional Reach Test (p=0.013 and p=0.000), as well as 360° Turn Test and the Four Square Step Test (p=0.000 and p=0.000). The outcomes of the finger to nose (p=0.032), supination-pronation (p=0.020), and Lower Extremity Motor Coordination (p=0.003) tests significantly improved in the intervention group. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that BP significantly affects coordination and balance in elderly people. BP has promising effects as a physical activity for the elderly.