EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON ANKLE PROPRIOCEPTION DURING SIXTEEN WEEKS OF TRAINING AND EIGHT WEEKS OF DETRAINING IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

This study evaluates the ankle proprioception in older adults. Sixty women (age 62.1±4.3yr) were randomly assigned to three groups to undergo a 16-week training (one group practice Tai Chi,one group practice brisk walking and one group reading) and 8-week detraining program. Proprioception of ankle plantarflexion (PF), dorsiflexion (DF) were measured, better proprioception is defined as being able to detect a smaller degree in joint angle. The results showed that degree PF and DF changes earlier and were smaller in TG than in BG in training; degree of PF and DF declined in all groups during the detraining, but TG exhibited a significant difference with pre-training data. So Tai Chi can more effectively improve and maintain ankle proprioception as well as prevent fall in old age. However, the extent of benefit depends on the regularity of training in older adults.