Authors (including presenting author) :
LAU WYA(1), LI MKJ(1), CHAN HWC(1), CHAN LCJ(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Physiotherapy, Pok Oi Hospital
Introduction :
Balance problems are prevalent in elderly patients. Such problems manifest in poorer performances in standing, walking, transfers and mobility etc., which are significant risk factors for falls (Pfortmueller, Lindner & Exadaktylos, 2014). A considerable amount of research has established the efficacy of exercise in improving balance in elderly patients. Exploring different exercise options is thus of clinical significance.
Growing evidence has supported the efficacy of non-traditional forms of exercise such as Tai Chi (Choi, 2016), Qigong (Schmitz‐Hübsch et al., 2006), dancing (Duncan & Earhart, 2012) etc. in terms of balance and mobility for elderly patients. Boxing is another form of non-traditional form of exercise which was reported to be safe and feasible (Combs et al., 2011). Not only does it integrate traditional exercise concepts, but its innovative elements have great potential to enhance patient engagement in performing exercises. Therefore, a pilot study had been conducted to explore the effect and feasibility of boxing exercise program for elderly patients.
Objectives :
To evaluate the effect and feasibility of boxing exercise program in elderly patients.
Methodology :
Elderly patients aged 60 or older who scored 45 or below on the Berg’s Balance Scale were recruited for the physiotherapist-led boxing exercise programme for 10 sessions, each lasting 15-20 minutes. Patients with musculoskeletal or cardiovascular conditions that would limit in participation of boxing exercise were excluded. Patients were required to wear boxing gloves throughout the training. The programme was comprised of a series of boxing-specific movements (e.g., punch variations, footwork), functional activities and dual task training.
Patients were tested before and after completion of training on the six-meter walking speed, hand grip strength of dominant hand, 30-second Chair Stand Test, Elderly Mobility Scale, Functional Reach Test, Berg Balance Scale, Modified Functional Ambulation Classification and patient’s satisfaction score.
Patients who had completed all outcome measures assessment were included. All data were analysed by SPSS 26.
Result & Outcome :
Result:
A total of 8 patients (6 males and 2 females) were recruited for boxing intervention from February 2021 to December 2021. Their mean age was 75.3±11.0. Mean number of boxing exercise sessions of these patients was 9.3 sessions. All physical and functional outcome measures were significantly improved after completion of the boxing exercise program. Six-meter walking speed was improved from 0.34±0.36 m/s to 0.49±0.30 m/s (p=0.04). Hand grip of dominant hand was improved from 22.1±5.1 kg to 24.4±5.5 kg (p=0.02). 30 second chair stand test was improved 5.8±3.8 repetitions to 7.5±4.4 repetitions (p=0.01). Elderly mobility scale was improved from 14.6±4.5 to 17.1±3.9 (p=0.02). Functional reach test was improved from 15.9±8.7 cm to 19.8±10.0 cm (p=0.02). Berg balance scale was improved from 33.4±10.8 to 41.0±12.6 (p<0.01). Modified functional ambulatory category was significantly improved (p=0.02). Three patients were improved from assisted walker to supervised walker while another two patients were improved from supervised walker to indoor walker. All patients were highly satisfied with the boxing exercise program. The mean subjective satisfaction score was 4.6 out of 5 after completion of program.
Conclusion:
The interactive boxing exercise programme was effective in improving strength, mobility and balance in elderly patients. All patients were satisfied and enjoyed participating boxing exercise. It can be considered as an innovative form of balance training exercise in rehabilitation for elderly patients.
