Content Analysis of Exercise Programs for the Elderly in Korean and Foreign Articles

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The present study analyzed the contents of exercise programs for the elderly in Korean and foreign articles. METHOD: This study analyzed 27 Korean and 20 foreign exercise-related articles selected from Web DBs using keywords 'exercise', 'exercise program' and 'exercise effect'. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 11.5 through descriptive statistics, chi2 test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: In the description of population, random sampling and informed consents, foreign articles were higher than Korean articles. In research design, foreign articles randomized controlled trials (RCTs) higher than Korean articles. The contents of exercise programs in the Korean and foreign articles were aerobic, walking and stretching. On the effects of exercise programs in the Korean articles, walking showed the highest frequency in the physical strength as well as muscle strength, balance and flexibility. In the foreign articles, walking and stretching showed high frequency in physical strength. CONCLUSION: Contents significant in exercise programs for the elderly were walking and stretching. In addition, regular exercise had a positive effect on muscle strength, flexibility and balance in the elderly.