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A.E. Dalgulge1, O. Isik1, B. Gurbuga1, G. Tikac1, F. Altug1
1Pamukkale University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Denizli, Turkey
Background: Physical activity is inevitable in a healthy life. Square-stepping exercises (SSE) are a subset of aerobic exercises and are known to improve functional balance, lower limb muscle strength, flexibility, and functionality.
Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the effect of square-stepping exercise training on attention, dynamic balance and lower extremity motor coordination in sedentary young individuals.
Methods: A total of 112 volunteers between the ages of 20-25 years, who met the inclusion criteria, randomly assigned to study and control group. 56 volunteers (29 females, 27 males) were included in the study group and 56 volunteers (28 females, 28 males) in the control group. Demographic data and exercise habits of the cases were recorded in the form. In addition, the Stroop Test for attention assessment, the Four Step Square Test for dynamic balance assessment and the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test for motor coordination assessment were also recorded on the form. SSE was performed 4 days a week for 3 weeks, each session lasting 45 minutes. The pre-and post-training evaluations of the participants were recorded on the form.
Results: The groups in this study are homogeneous in terms of demographic data. Our study group showed statistically significant improvement in some subgroups of attention, balance and coordination compared to the control group (p <0.05).
Conclusion(s): SSE training is effective on attention, dynamic balance and lower extremity motor coordination in healthy young people.
Implications: Exercise is important for healthy sedentary individuals. SSE is a new form of intervention that improves participants' balance and may enhance cognitive function. Square stepping exercises can be safely performed to healthy sedentary individuals and can improve many physical functions.
Funding, acknowledgements: The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK).
Keywords: square-stepping exercise, dynamic balance, attention
Topic: Musculoskeletal
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: Pamukkale University
Committee: Non-Interventional Clinical Research Medical Ethics Committee
Ethics number: 60116787-020 / 66903
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
