Biomechanical analysis of Yi Jin Jing on the effects of muscle strength, gait characteristics and anti-fall risk in elderly males
Abstract
This study examines the effects and intervention outcomes of Yi Jin Jing and Tai Chi on lower limb muscle strength, gait characteristics, and fall risk among elderly males from a biomechanical perspective. Methods: A total of 96 participants were randomly assigned to the Yi Jin Jing Group (YJG) and the Tai Chi Group (TCG), with 48 individuals in each group. The study employed lower limb muscle strength testing, gait analysis, fall index assessment, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA) to evaluate the differences in lower limb muscle groups, gait characteristics, fall risk, dynamic balance ability, and sports function between two groups of elderly males. Results: The relative peak torque of the three major joint muscle groups in the lower limbs of the YJG and TCG during isokinetic concentric contractions at 60°/s and 120°/s exhibited a significant increase compared to pre-intervention levels, with the most pronounced changes observed in the ankle joint muscle group (60°/s: Cohen’s d = 1.68/0.62, 95% CI: [1.16 to 2.20, 0.16 to 1.08]; 120°/s: Cohen’s d = 1.22/1.66, 95% CI: [1.16 to 2.20, 0.16 to 1.08]; P < 0.05). Notable differences were also identified in the gait and fall index (30.32 ± 9.64 vs. 57.23 ± 6.67; 31.72 ± 7.42 vs. 46.67 ± 5.93; Cohen’s d = 1.67, 95% CI: [−2.27 to −1.21]; 51.19 ± 4.72 vs. 36.50 ± 3.94; 50.58 ± 3.12 vs. 43.78 ± 4.41, Cohen’s d = −1.74, 95% CI: [−2.27 to −1.21]; P < 0.05). Significant differences were also observed in the BBS and FMA scores (BBS: 51.27 ± 3.57 vs. 43.63 ± 4.09, Cohen’s d = 1.99, 95% CI: [1.43 to 2.54]; FMA: 65.76 ± 5.37 vs. 62.86 ± 3.27, Cohen’s d = 0.65, 95% CI: [1.43 to 2.54]; P < 0.05). Furthermore, YJG demonstrated a significant advantage over TCG. These changes in parameters suggest enhanced lower limb strength, improved gait stability, and better dynamic balance in elderly males, effectively reducing the risk of falls. Conclusion: Both the YJG and TCG interventions can significantly improve lower limb muscle strength, dynamic balance, gait ability, and overall motor function in elderly males. However, the efficacy of YJG is notably superior to that of TCG. This finding provides valuable insights and important clinical implications for fall prevention strategies in the elderly population.
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