چكيده لاتين
Introduction: The world population has been moving towards aging in recent years. Aging is associated with negative physical and mental consequences. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of eight weeks of SAIL exercises, Kinesio tape, and combined (SAIL exercises, Kinesio tape) on motor function, fear of falling, and quality of life in the elderly.
Research Methods: Thirty-six elderly women voluntarily participated in this study and were randomly divided into three groups: SAIL training (age: 72.5±2.3 years, height: 162.9±1.9 cm, weight: 64.5±2.2 kg/m2), Kinesio tape (age: 72.6±2.2 years, height: 161.5±1.02 cm, weight: 64.8±2.5 kg/m2), and combined (age: 72.2±2.3 years, height: 162.1±1 cm, weight: 64.4±2.4 kg/m2). Before and after eight weeks of training, static balance test (Romberg Sharpened), dynamic balance (timed up and go), lower limb strength (30 -Second Chair Stand Test), walking speed (4-meter walk), fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale - International), functional independence (Barthel Questionnaire), and quality of life (OPQOL-35 Questionnaire) were measured. The SAIL exercises, Kinesio tape and combined training program was performed for eight weeks with a frequency of three sessions per week. Data were analyzed using the covariance and Bonferroni statistical methods for between-group comparisons and the paired t-test for within-group comparisons (p <0.05).
Results: A significant improvement in static balance, dynamic balance, lower limb strength, walking speed, fear of falling, functional independence, and quality of life of the elderly was observed following eight weeks of the SAIL exercises, Kinesio tape and combined training in individuals (p <0.05). The results showed a significant difference for the measured indicators between the SAIL exercises, Kinesio tape (p < 0.05), as well as between the combined protocol and Kinesio tape training (p < 0.05). Although the improvement of the indicators was greater in the combined protocol, no significant difference was observed between the SAIL and the combined protocol (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that all three SAIL exercises, Kinesio tape and combined training protocols improved static and dynamic balance, lower limb strength, walking speed, fear of falling, functional independence and quality of life in elderly women, but in comparison, the combined intervention caused greater improvement and is recommended to be included in the elderlyʹs exercise program.