Net-Step Exercise가 노인의 보행기능, 우울, 인지기능 및 일상생활 수행능력에 미치는 영향

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to prove the effects of the net-step exercise (NSE) on gait ability, depression, cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults. Methods: The study employed a non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design. A total of 64 community-dwelling older adults were recruited and divided equally into two groups; 32 subjects for an experimental group and 32 subjects for a control group. In the experimental group, the NSE was applied to an hour, two times per week for 4 weeks. The level of gait ability, depression, cognitive function and ADL were measured before and after NSE. The study conducted from July to August, 2016. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, x2 test, Fisher’s exact test, t-test, ANCOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients using SPSS/WIN 22.0 version. Results: Gait ability, depression, cognitive function were significantly better in the experimental group than the control group. However, the difference in ADL was not significant between the two groups. Conclusion: These findings in this study showed that the NSE was an efficient intervention for older adults. Nurses could apply non-pharmacological interventions to avoid pharmacological side-effects.