The Effects of Group Movement Training on Psychophysiological Variables and the Range of Motion in the Institutionalized Elderly

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of a group movement exercise program on psychophysiological variables in the institutionalized elderly. METHODS: This research adopted the non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Twenty elders were selected as an experimental group, whereas twenty-two elders were as a control group. The group movement program consisted of 35 minutes of dance and three days a week for eight weeks. Resting systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured in a relaxed sitting position. The range of flexion and extension of joint was measured with a gonimeter. Life satisfaction and self-efficacy were measured by self-report. Data were analyzed through chi2-test, t-test and ANCOVA using SPSS/WIN program. RESULTS: The results were as follows Resting systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate decreased significantly by the group movement training. The range of flexion and extension of the shoulder and hip joints increased significantly. The scores of life satisfaction and self-efficacy increased remarkably by the group movement. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that group movement training can be an effective intervention to improve psychophysiological variables and the range of motion for the institutionalized elderly.