匹克球運動促進社區中高齡者握力、平衡及步行能力之成效初探

目的：本研究旨在探討 12 週匹克球運動對促進社區中高齡者握力、平衡及步行能力之成效。方法：招募 19 位居住在社區之中高齡長者，於每週末介入 2 小時、為期12 週之匹克球運動。成效評估指標包括握力、靜態與動態平衡 (單腳站立及功能性手前伸) 及步行能力 (含直線步行、8 字曲線步行及跨越障礙物步行)。使用配對 t 檢定分析比較各檢測參數於課程介入前後之差異。結果：經過 12 週匹克球運動，能顯著提升中高齡者的握力、功能性手前伸、10 公尺直線及 8 字曲線步行速度(p < .05)。結論：本研究初探發現新興匹克球運動，對提升社區中高齡者握力、平衡及功能性步行能力之正面效益，可提供國內社區發展或推廣中高齡匹克球運動方案實施參考。  Purpose: This study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week group-based pickleball program on grip strength, balance and walking performance in middle-aged and older adults. Methods: Nineteen community-dwelling participants participated. Pickleball program was performed 2 hours per day, once per week, for 12 weeks. Handgrip strength, balance (single leg stand and functional reach) and walking performance (straight walking, curve walking and obstacle crossing) were measured and compared before and after the training program using the paired t test. Results: The pickleball program enhanced handgrip strength, functional reach, straight and curve walking performances (all p < .05). Conclusion: The preliminary findings indicate that the 12-week group-based pickleball program could enhance grip strength, balance and functional walking performances in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults.