Effect of Net-Step Exercise on Gait Ability, Depression, Cognitive Function and Activities of Daily Living in Older Adults / 재활간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to prove the effects of the net-step exercise (NSE) on gait ability, depression, cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults. METHODS: The study employed a non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design. A total of 64 community-dwelling older adults were recruited and divided equally into two groups; 32 subjects for an experimental group and 32 subjects for a control group. In the experimental group, the NSE was applied to an hour, two times per week for 4 weeks. The level of gait ability, depression, cognitive function and ADL were measured before and after NSE. The study conducted from July to August, 2016. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, χ² test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, ANCOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients using SPSS/WIN 22.0 version. RESULTS: Gait ability, depression, cognitive function were significantly better in the experimental group than the control group. However, the difference in ADL was not significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION: These findings in this study showed that the NSE was an efficient intervention for older adults. Nurses could apply non-pharmacological interventions to avoid pharmacological side-effects.