Comprehensive Assessment of the Impact of Various Therapeutic Methods on Gait Quality, Physical and Mental Fitness of Postmenopausal Women.
Comprehensive Assessment of the Impact of Various Therapeutic Methods on Gait Quality, Physical and Mental Fitness of Postmenopausal Women.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn which physical activity affects the quality of gait, physical and mental fitness of older women. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does any of the training methods improve the physical or mental fitness of postmenopausal women? Which of these training methods improves the physical and mental condition of postmenopausal women the most?
Researchers will compare the results of three training groups to each other and to control group (with no training) to see which training method has the greatest impact on improving the quality of gait, physical fitness and mental health of postmenopausal women.
Participants took part in physical activity classes that took place for 12 weeks, twice a week for 45 minutes.
Before starting the first and after completing the last physical activity, participants participated in the following tests: resting circulatory parameters, anthropometric tests, respiratory spirometry, cardiorespiratory fitness assessment, Fullerton test, measurement of force distribution and foot pressure, physical activity level assessment (IPAQ), and questionnaires on health-related quality of life (SF-36), geriatric depression scale (GDS), and cognitive function assessment scale (MoCA).
The study aims to comprehensively evaluate three therapeutic methods and their impact on gait quality, physical fitness, and mental well-being. It will allow for the identification of gait patterns, the determination of parameter values separately for the left and right legs, enabling the assessment of gait symmetry, and may indicate injury or pain in the subject, even if these are not yet visible to the observer.
The study group consisted of 100 women over 65 years of age. Each of the three therapeutic methods was represented by 25 participants. The control group, which received no intervention, also consisted of 25 participants. Participants eligible for the project must have no health contraindications to participating in physical activity. Participation in the project is voluntary, and participants may withdraw from participation at any stage.
The three therapeutic methods (interventions) are:
Before the first and after the last exercise class, the following tests was performed:
It was used for a multidimensional assessment of physical fitness. It allows for the observation of gradual decline in fitness with age and assesses tolerance, strength, and flexibility of the upper and lower body, as well as agility and balance. The Fullerton Test consists of six sequentially performed parts:
Arm Curl Test Back Scratch Test 30-Second Chair Stand Chair Sit-and-Reach Test 8-Foot Up-and-Go Test 6-Minute Walk Test
The study will determine gait patterns and any asymmetries. This information can be useful in selecting potential orthopedic equipment and appropriate corrective exercises.
The prevention of injuries related to falls caused by abnormal gait patterns will be discussed.
The study results will be used to implement therapeutic programs aimed at correcting identified functional abnormalities in older adults. After completing the project, the women participating in the study will receive an exercise program to correct their individual deficits.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: