• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.109-119
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a combined exercise program using a ballet bar and elastic bands on the body composition, physical strength, and postural correction of middle-aged women. Methods : The subjects were 28 middle-aged women with no ballet experience. They were divided into an experimental group (n=14; exercise group) and a control group (n=14; non-exercise group) through random sampling. The experimental group underwent an exercise program using a ballet bar and elastic bands for 50 minutes twice a week for 12 weeks, whereas the control group performed no exercise. The subjects in both group had their body composition, physical fitness, and postural angles measured before and after the intervention. A paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-test values within each group, and a two-way repeated measures ANOVA was employed to compare pre- and post-test changes between the two groups. Results : Regarding body composition, statistically significant differences in BMI (p<.05), body fat percentage (p<.001), and muscle mass (p<.001) were observed between the two groups before and after the intervention. For physical fitness, the experimental group showed statistically significant increases in quick reflexes (p<.001), muscle endurance (p<.001), and muscle strength (p<.001). For postural correction, the experimental group exhibited statistically significant decreases in all variables: the head (p<.001), shoulder (p<.001), cervical tilt (p<.001), right-left pelvic tilt (p<.001), and anterior-posterior pelvic tilt (p<.001). Conclusion : A combined exercise program using a ballet bar and elastic bands had positive effects on the body composition, physical fitness, and postural correction of middle-aged women.