Publication:

The implementation of square step exercise is as good as tandem walking exercise on dynamic balance of the elderly in the Kedungwuni II health center area

Background The aging process can cause various problems including physical decline that impacts balance. Balance disorders are often found in the elderly caused by the nervous system, sensory system and musculoskeletal system. Square step and tandem walking exercises are implemented to improve dynamic balance in the elderly so that the activities of the elderly are not hampered and their mobility can be increased. The purpose of this study was to prove that square step exercise (SSE) was as good as tandem walking exercise in improving dynamic balance in the elderly.

Methods This study was experimental research with a two-group pretest and posttest design. The research sample consisted of 26 people who were divided into two groups; group I was given a SSE, and group II was given a tandem walking exercise. Both groups received training 2 times a week for 8 weeks. The dynamic balance of the participants was measured through the timed up and go test.

Results This study found that both SSE and tandem walking exercise could significantly improve the dynamic balance of the elderly, p=0.000. This study also found that there was no significant difference between SSE and tandem walking exercise in improving dynamic balance in the elderly with p=0.103.

Conclusions SSE was as good as tandem walking exercise in improving dynamic balance of the elderly in the integrated health care of Kedungwuni health center II area.