Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine (대한물리의학회지)

The Korean Society of Physical Medicine (대한물리의학회)
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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

  • Baek, Ji-Eun (Department of Health Science, Gachon University Graduate School) ;
  • Shin, Ho-jin (Department of Health Science, Gachon University Graduate School) ;
  • Kim, Sung-Hyeon (Department of Health Science, Gachon University Graduate School) ;
  • Kim, Jae Yeon (Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine) ;
  • Park, Sujin (Division of Forest Welfare Research, National Institute of Forest Science) ;
  • Sung, Si-Yoon (Huenlab) ;
  • Cho, Hwi-young (Department of Physical Therapy, Gachon University) ;
  • Hahm, Suk-Chan (Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, CHA University) ;
  • Lee, Min-Goo (Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine)
  • 백지은 (가천대학교 일반대학원 보건과학과 물리치료학 전공) ;
  • 신호진 (가천대학교 일반대학원 보건과학과 물리치료학 전공) ;
  • 김성현 (가천대학교 일반대학원 보건과학과 물리치료학 전공) ;
  • 김재연 (고려대학교 의과대학 생리학교실) ;
  • 박수진 (국립산림과학원 산림복지연구과) ;
  • 성시윤 (휴앤치유연구소) ;
  • 조휘영 (가천대학교 물리치료학과) ;
  • 함석찬 (차의과학대학교 통합의학대학원) ;
  • 이민구 (고려대학교 의과대학 생리학교실)
  • Received : 2021.02.15
  • Accepted : 2021.03.20
  • Published : 2021.05.31
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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

Acknowledgement

본 연구는 산림청 국립산림과학원(과제번호: FM0400-2018-03-2020)의 지원을 받아 수행하였다.

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