The Effect of Mind-Body Relaxation Exercises on Gait Smoothness and Gait Profile in Elderly Women

Elham Dehghan  Niri; Mostafa Haj  Lotfalian; Fateme Zare  Bidoki

doi:10.18502/ehj.v12i1.21903

Elham Dehghan Niri Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences in Sport, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Mostafa Haj Lotfalian Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University; Yazd: Iran
Fateme Zare Bidoki Department of Sports Injury and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ehj.v12i1.21903

Keywords: Aging, Gait Analysis, Mind-Body Therapies, Gait, Postural Balance

Abstract

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of mind‑body relaxation exercises on qualitative gait parameters, including movement smoothness and gait profile, in elderly women. This research focuses on how such interventions might enhance gait quality, potentially by strengthening core muscles, improving pelvic stability, and boosting neuromuscular coordination, which could play a vital role in optimizing gait patterns and reducing fall risk among this population.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, twenty‑four elderly women aged over 55 years voluntarily participated and were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group engaged in a six-week training program consisting of three sessions per week. Gait kinematic data were recorded using a three-dimensional motion capture system at a sampling rate of 120 Hz. The smoothness index was calculated based on the integral of angular jerk, whereas the gait profile score was determined as the mean deviation of joint angles from a normative gait pattern. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA.

Results: The results demonstrated no significant main effects of group or time, nor a significant group × time interaction, for the movement smoothness index (all p > 0.05). In contrast, for the gait profile score, significant main effects of group (p = 0.041) and time (p = 0.001), as well as a significant group × time interaction effect (p = 0.016), were observed. These findings indicate that the six-week mind–body exercise intervention significantly improved gait movement patterns and reduced gait deviations in elderly women, whereas no significant changes were observed in movement smoothness.

Conclusion: Mind-body relaxation exercises appear to enhance gait patterns and reduce fall risk in elderly women through mechanisms such as core muscle strengthening, pelvic stability improvement, and better neuromuscular coordination. Nevertheless, the lack of significant change in smoothness suggests that assessing the effects of these interventions on fine motor control may require longer training periods and more sensitive measurement tools.