Effects of exercising with outdoor fitness equipment in the park of the Retirement home Šiška

V sodobni družbi se podaljšuje življenjska doba ljudi, s tem pa je čedalje več starostnikov. S starostjo se postopno slabšajo živčno-mišične funkcije in gibalne sposobnosti (moč, gibljivost, ravnotežje…). To lahko privede do gibalne nezmožnosti in izgube neodvisnosti. Z redno telesno vadbo lahko preprečimo ali vsaj omilimo posledice staranja. Namen diplomskega dela je bil ugotoviti, ali vadba v zunanjem parku v Domu starejših občanov v Šiški izboljša moč, gibljivost in ravnotežje. V raziskavi je sodelovalo 16 preiskovancev iz Doma starejših občanov Šiška, ki so predhodno pisno pristali na sodelovanje v raziskavi. Razdeljeni so bili v eksperimentalno in kontrolno skupino. Njihova povprečna starost je bila 81,50 ± 7,54 let, teža 64,63 ± 9,58 kg. Na začetku in koncu vadbenega obdobja so bile izvedene meritve, ki so zajemale teste moči, ravnotežja in gibljivosti. Vadbena skupina je imela vadbo za moč, gibljivost in ravnotežje dvakrat tedensko 7 tednov v zunanjem vadbenem parku v Šiški. Statistično značilno izboljšanje gibljivosti vadbene skupine po koncu vadbenega obdobja je bilo pri dotiku z rokama za glavo, kjer je bila leva roka spodaj (t=-2,52, p=0,01). Statistično značilen napredek eksperimentalne skupine smo zasledili še pri predklonu sede (t=-2,68, p=0,03), kjer je tudi šlo za izboljšanje gibljivosti. Pri iztegu kolena je pri končnih meritvah prišlo do statistično značilne razlike med kontrolno in eksperimentalno skupino (t=-2,81, p=0,00). Redna vadba ima pozitivne učinke na proces staranja in bi bilo smiselno spodbujati vadbe za starejše osebe v zunanjem parku, saj bi izboljšali njihovo fizično pripravljenost, s tem pa tudi kvaliteto življenja.In modern society, life expectancy has increased, causing an increase in the number of elderly people. Aging is associated with progressive loss of neuromuscular functions and physical abilities (strength, flexibility, balance...). This can often lead to progressive disability and loss of independence. Regular physical activity can prevent or at least alleviate the effects of aging. The main aim of this Bachelor’s thesis was to determine whether the training in the outdoor park near the Retirement home Šiška improves strength, flexibility and balance. Sixteen subjects from the Retirement home Šiška agreed to participate in this study. All participants provided their written informed consent to participate in the survey. They were divided into an experimental and a control group. Their average age was 81.50 ± 7.54 years, weight 64.63 ± 9.58 kg. Measurements that included tests of strength, balance and flexibility were conducted before and after the completed training protocol. The experimental group performed 2 sessions of strength, flexibility and balance training weekly for 7 weeks in the outdoor park Šiška. The results of the shoulder flexibility test (fingers of left hand point up the spine) showed statistically significant improvement in flexibility of the exercise group (t=-2.52, p=0.01). The results of the flexibility sit and reach test showed statistically significant improvement in the exercise group (t=-2.68, p=0.03). Statistically significant differences in results of the knee exertion test conducted after the completed training protocol were observed between the control and exercise groups (t=-2.81, p=0.00). Regular exercise has positive effects on the aging process. Therefore, it would be reasonable to encourage physical activity among older people in outdoor parks, as it would improve their physical abilities as well as their quality of life