• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.63-70
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• 2017

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to improve the quality of life of people aged 65 and over by reducing musculoskeletal pain and increasing balance and muscular strength in their lower-extremities through aerobic exercises and the use of Thera-Bands and gym balls. Method : Fifteen out of 30 women who used a welfare center for the elderly in C City performed exercises using Thera-Bands and gym balls, and the remaining 15 elderly women did aerobic exercises. Both groups performed their respective exercises three times a week over a four-week period, for 50 minutes each time. Pain (VAS), balance (TUG), and lower extremity muscular strength were measured as evaluation tools. The data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS 18.0 for Windows. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare the differences within each group, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the two groups in terms of their differences both before and after the participants' respective exercise programs. Results : No differences were found between the two groups, although there were some differences within each group in terms of levels of pain, muscular strength, and balance. Conclusion : The aerobic and muscle strength exercise programs had positive effects on all variables, including pain, balance, and muscular strength in the lower extremities. Therefore, the combination of aerobic and muscle strength exercises may be effective in improving the quality of life of elderly people.