Dimitra Moscha, Evgenia Giannitsopoulou, Afroditi Lola, George Tzetzis, Vasiliki Zisi
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background/objective: Manual dexterity is critical for maintaining functional independence and quality of life in older adults, yet limited research has explored training interventions to enhance this skill. This study examined the effect of rhythmic gymnastics (RG) exercise programs, with and without apparatus, on the manual dexterity of older women.
Methods: Seventy-six women, aged over 65 (68.47 ± 3.34), without serious health or mobility issues, and no prior RG experience, were randomly assigned to two experimental and one control group. Each experimental group followed a 12-week intervention program (three sessions/week, 1 hr each). The first group (A) followed an RG program with the use of sport's apparatus and the second one (B) an RG exercise program using only body movements, without any apparatus. The control group (C) followed their typical everyday schedule. Manual dexterity was assessed three times (before the intervention, immediately after, and 20 weeks later for retention) using the Pegboard and Box and Blocks Tests.
Results: Group A showed a significant improvement in manual dexterity from pre to postintervention, with performance maintained at the retention test. Group B and the control group did not exhibit significant improvements across all measures.
Conclusion: The RG program with apparatus significantly improved manual dexterity in older women and maintained these improvements over time. Significance/Implications: RG programs with apparatus can enhance manual dexterity in older women and, in turn, promote functional independence in older adults, supporting its inclusion in exercise programs for this population. Future studies should also include male participants and frail populations.
背景/目的：手的灵巧性对于维持老年人的功能独立性和生活质量至关重要，但关于通过训练干预来提高这一技能的研究有限。本研究考察了艺术体操（RG）运动项目对老年妇女手灵巧性的影响，包括带器械和不带器械。方法：76名年龄在65岁以上（68.47±3.34），无严重健康或行动障碍，无RG经验的女性随机分为2个实验组和1个对照组。每个实验组进行为期12周的干预计划（每周3次，每次1小时）。第一组(A)使用运动器械进行RG训练，第二组(B)只进行身体运动，不使用任何器械。对照组（C组）遵循他们典型的日常计划。使用Pegboard和Box and Blocks测试评估了手灵巧度三次（干预前、干预后和干预后20周）。结果：干预前后，A组患者的手灵巧性有显著提高，保留测试的表现保持不变。B组和对照组在所有方面都没有明显的改善。结论：带器械的RG方案显著提高了老年妇女的手灵巧性，并随着时间的推移保持这种改善。意义/启示：带器械的RG计划可以提高老年妇女的手灵活性，进而促进老年人的功能独立性，支持将其纳入该人群的锻炼计划。未来的研究还应该包括男性参与者和虚弱人群。
期刊介绍：
The Journal of Aging and Physical Activity (JAPA) is a multidisciplinary journal that publishes peer-reviewed original research reports, scholarly reviews, and professional-application articles on the relationship between physical activity and the aging process. The journal encourages the submission of articles that can contribute to an understanding of (a) the impact of physical activity on physiological, psychological, and social aspects of older adults and (b) the effect of advancing age or the aging process on physical activity among older adults.
In addition to publishing research reports and reviews, JAPA publishes articles that examine the development, implementation, and evaluation of physical activity programs among older adults. Articles from the biological, behavioral, and social sciences, as well as from fields such as medicine, clinical psychology, physical and recreational therapy, health, physical education, and recreation, are appropriate for the journal. Studies using animal models do not fit within our mission statement and should be submitted elsewhere.
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