earticle

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Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF) exercise on body functions(gait, balance, lower extremity power) of elderly women.
Methods : This study applied PNF exercise in a fall prevention program in addition to fall prevention seminars to an experimental group of 15 subjects and applied only fall prevention seminars to a control group of 15 subjects. The PNF exercise consisted of three sessions per week for 8 weeks and fall prevention seminars were composed of three times educations(0th, 4th, and 8th week). As a result of statistical analyses, following conclusions were obtained.
Results : A 8-week PNF exercise significantly improved gait function and balance functions, lower extremity functions of elderly women.
Conclusion : The PNF exercise in a fall prevention program was found to be effective to improve body functions(gait, balance, lower extremity power) of elderly women. In other words, the PNF exercise needs to be considered as an effective intervention for elderly women in order to strengthen their body functions and in fall prevention program.