چكيده لاتين
Purpose: This study was conducted to provide a comprehensive and safe exercise solution for improving the health status of middle-aged women with lumbar hyperlordosis. Given the prevalence of postural disorders and the decline in motor function and psychological well-being in this age group, a Body Balance training program was designed to simultaneously impact musculoskeletal and psychological factors, aiming to reduce the lumbar curvature angle, improve motor function, and increase their happiness level. This research seeks to take a practical step towards enhancing the quality of life for middle-aged women. Accordingly, and considering these individualsʹ need for a regular exercise program, this study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of Body Balance training on the lumbar curvature angle, motor function, and happiness in middle-aged women with lumbar hyperlordosis.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, a sample of 30 middle-aged women with lumbar hyperlordosis (Mean ± SD: age 46.04 ± 6.81 years, weight 59.9 ± 14.71 kg, height 162.07 ± 5.846 cm, lumbar curvature angle 57.52 ± 16.7 degrees) was selected via convenience sampling. They were then randomly assigned, based on their lumbar curvature angle, into an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). The lumbar curvature angle, motor function, and happiness of the subjects were measured before and after the training period using a flexible ruler, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test, the McGill test, the Sit-and-Reach test, and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, respectively. The experimental group performed Body Balance exercises for eight weeks, three sessions per week, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes, while the control group did not engage in any regular or effective physical activity. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA at a significance level of (P<0.05).
Findings: The results indicated that before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in any of the variables studied. However, after the intervention, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in the scores of the motor function test (F=61.063, P=0.00), core muscle endurance (P=0.00), general body flexibility (F=81.41, P=0.00), and happiness (F=30.303, P=0.00). No significant difference was found between the two groups in the lumbar curvature angle (F=0.007, P=0.932). In other words, after the intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements in motor function test scores, core muscle endurance, general body flexibility, and happiness, while these changes were not significant in the control group. Additionally, the lumbar curvature angle did not change significantly in the experimental group.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, Body Balance training can be considered a useful and efficient method for improving motor function and happiness in this population.
