Authors
- Mia Hrlec – University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, Republic of Croatia
- Suzana Hereković – University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, Republic of Croatia
- Lovorka Bilajac – University of Rijeka, School of Medicine, Department of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Rijeka, Croatia
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Aging is a physiological process that affects all living beings. Today, in the world, especially in developed countries, a number of older people increases, and the needs of older people are specific and require special attention. The aim of this study is to investigate whether exercise affects the mobility of the lumbar spine and the grip strength in older persons. In this study, respondents are participants of the intervention phase of the Urban Health Center Europe (UHCE) project. In this study, 33 respondents – 3 men and 30 women of average age of 72.42 – were involved. The forward bend measures were obtained by a fingertip-to-floor test, and the extent of the lateral flexion bandwidth was measured left and right by centimeter strap measurement. The standard force dynamometer was used to determine the grip strength. For this purpose, the Jamar dynamometer was used. All measurements were taken before the start of exercise and after eight months of exercise. After eight months of exercise, conducted twice a week for 60 minutes, the measurement results showed significant advances in the forward bend motion (p = 0,04). The results of measuring lateral flexion of the body before and after the intervention did not show any significant improvement in mobility (p = 0,45 i p = 0,28). The results of measuring the grip strength showed significant progress with significant improvement in the grip strength of the left hand (p < 0,001) in comparison to the right hand (p < 0,0166).
Keywords:
older age, forward bend, lateral flexion, grip strength