The Effects of Forest Healing Anti-aging Program on Physical Health of the Elderly: A Pilot Study (산림치유 항노화 프로그램이 노인의 신체적 건강에 미치는 효과: 예비연구)

Ji-Eun Baek (백지은); Ho-jin Shin (신호진); Sung-Hyeon Kim (김성현); Jae Yeon Kim (김재연); park sujin (박수진); Si-Yoon Sung (성시윤); Cho Hwi-young (조휘영); Hahm Suk-Chan (함석찬); Min-Goo Lee (이민구)

The Effects of Forest Healing Anti-aging Program on Physical Health of the Elderly: A Pilot Study

Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
Abbr : J Korean Soc Phys Med
2021, 16(2), pp.81-90
Publisher : The Korean Society of Physical Medicine
Research Area : Medicine and Pharmacy > Physical Therapy > Other physical therapy
Received : February 15, 2021
Accepted : March 20, 2021
Published : May 31, 2021

Ji-Eun Baek ¹, Ho-jin Shin ¹, Sung-Hyeon Kim ¹, Jae Yeon Kim ², park sujin ³, Si-Yoon Sung ⁴, Cho Hwi-young ¹, Hahm Suk-Chan ⁵, Min-Goo Lee ²

¹가천대학교
²고려대학교
³국립산림과학원
⁴휴앤치유연구소
⁵차의과학대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Aging causes a decrease in muscle mass and a change in posture, which reduces motor function and makes it difficult to perform daily activities independently. As these factors are closely related to the deterioration of the quality of life, it is very important to prevent and manage negative changes in the musculoskeletal system. Forest healing is a nature therapy course that maintains and promotes health using various environmental factors in a forest. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the forest healing anti-aging programs on the physical health of the elderly. METHODS: Ten elderly people participated in this study, as part of a forest healing anti-aging program for two days. Functional fitness, muscle strength, gait function, and balance were evaluated before and after the program. RESULTS: The number of arm curls, chair stands, and steps in a 2-min walk significantly increased (p < .05). 8-feet up & go time was significantly decreased (p < .05). Biceps brachii, quadriceps femoris, and calf muscle strength were significantly increased (p < .05). Gait velocity and cadence were significantly increased (p < .05). Step length, stride length, step time, swing time, stance time, and cycle time were significantly decreased (p < .05). Reaching distance in the lateral directions was significantly increased (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The forest healing anti-aging program improves the physical health of the elderly.

KEYWORDS

Aging, Forest therapy, Functional fitness, Muscle strength, Gait, Balance

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.

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