The Influence Of Square Dancing And Fitness Walking Exercises On The Functional Fitness Of The Elderly

Purposes:This study aimed to explore the square dancing and fitness walking on functional fitness(FF)of older adults,comparing and analyzing different exercise project differences between all FF and the indexes in the old adults.For the aim to enhance the concept of science fitness,and according to their own state of FF do exercise,it is not only improve their FF level and their life quality,but also provide theoretical basis specific exercise design among older adults.Methods:This study applied convenience sampling method and recurited316 older adults from 12 communities in Nanjing.The inclusion criteria:the only doing square dance or fitness walking or no exercise habit,over one year with exercise frequency over 3 times per week and over 30 minutes per session.Finally,207 participants were qualified and were divided into square dance group(G1,n=68),Fitness walking group(G2,n=90),no exercise group(G3,n=49).All subjects completed written informed consent and a questionnaire including demographic information,exercise duration,time,and frequency.The functional fitness was assessed using the senior fitness test(SFT),including 30-s Arm Curl test(AC)for upper limb muscle strength,30-s Chair Stand the test(CS)for lower limb muscle strength;Back Scratch test,(BS)for upper limb flexor flexibility,Chair Sit-and-Reach test(SR)for lower limbs flexibility,8-foot Up-and-Go test(UG)for agility,as well as 2-min Step test(Step)for aerobic endurance.Results:According to Multi-factor analysis of variance,exercise programs had significant effects on the overall functional fitness,V=.155,F=2.48,p<.010,ES=.78;concomitant variable age V=.263,(6176)F=10.5,p<.001,ES.=V=263 and gender.116,(6176)F=3.87,p<.010,ES=.116 is the important factors that affect the FF,after controlling for gender and age.Besides,(1)the G1 demonstrated higher performance in upper limbs flexibility,lower limbs flexibility,and agility than G3(p<.05);(2)G2 showed better performance in the lower limb muscle strength,lower limbs flexibility than G3(p<.05);(3)There was no significant difference between G1 and G2 on functional fitness on each functional fitness parameter(p>.05);(4)There was no significant difference between G2 and G3 in upper limb muscle strength,upper extremity flexibility,and agility.also no differences between G2 and G3 on the upper limb strength,lower extremity muscle strength and aerobic endurance(p>.05).Conclusion:(1)Having regular exercise habit is beneficial to functional fitness of older adults,on the overall FF:G1 and G2 more than G3;on the BS.SR and UG:G1>G3,on the CS and SR:G2>G3;(2)There was no significant difference between G1 and G2 on functional fitness.