DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2015.v03i01.004

Pages: 19-25

Core strength training is widely used to attain dynamic multi-directional movements. Currently the evidence for the effects of core strength training on functional mobility in elderly is less conclusive. This study assessed the effects of core strength training on functional mobility in community dwelling older adults. We enrolled 48 community dwelling elderly males in the age group of 55–70 years and who had given approval for participation in the study. Subjects in the experimental group (Mean age=65± 2.12) performed core strength training exercises in a 6-week series of approximately 45 minutes exercise session, three times per week. The control group (Mean age = 66 ± 2.17) was without any intervention. However all subjects received an information booklet on management of balance problems. Outcome measures were timed "up & go” test and functional reach test. Paired sample t-test, and t-test for independent groups were used to determine significant differences among groups and between pre-test and post-test periods used to analyze the data (P≤0.05).A significant interaction occurred, with the core strength training group showing faster times in the timed up and go test (t = 7.3605)and increase in functional reach (t = 8.8933) after 6 weeks. The control group has not showed any significant difference between pre-test and post-test values of both outcome measures. It is suggested that exercises to improve core strength can be safely included to the daily exercise regime for the elderly to improve functional mobility.