目的:探討環狀運動介入對老年人下肢功能性體適能與步態穩定性之影響。方法:36位社區老年人分為實驗組18位(71.56 ± 4.94歲),控制組18位(73.78 ± 5.62歲)。實驗組介入為期12週,每週3次,每次50分鐘的環狀運動;控制組則維持日常生活作息。介入前、後進行下肢功能性體適能與步態穩定性之量測。結果:12週環狀運動介入後,實驗組的30秒椅子站立、2.44公尺椅子坐立繞物、步行速度、步行頻率、左右腳支撐時間皆達顯著改善,並優於控制組。結論:老年人經過12週環狀運動介入後,對下肢功能性體適能與步態穩定性參數中的步行速度、步行頻率、左右腳支撐時間上具有提升之效益,或許有助於減少跌倒的風險,以及提高生活品質與獨立生活能力。
Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the effects of circuit exercise on lower extremity functional fitness and gait stability in the elderly. Methods: The subjects of the study were 36 elderly, and 18 of them were in the experimental group (71.56 ± 4.94 years), and the other 18 subjects were in the control group (74.11 ± 5.37 years). The experimental group received circuit exercise 50 minutes each time, 3 times a week for 12 weeks, while the control group led a normal life. Lower extremity functional physical fitness (including 30-s chair-stand test, 2.44m up-and-go) and gait stability (including walking speed, cadence, step length, gait cycle duration) measurement was conducted before and after intervention. Results: The results showed that, 30-s chair-stand test, 2.44m upand go, walking speed, cadence and gait cycle duration in the experimental group after the 12 weeks circuit exercise, were significantly improved than those in the control group. Conclusion: These results indicated that the 12 weeks circuit exercise could improve the lower extremity functional physical fitness and gait stability (walking speed, cadence, and gait cycle duration) in the elderly, and it might reduce the risk of falls, as well as improve quality of life and ability to live independently in the elderly.