Examination of the acute effects of antagonist stretching on the flexibility and balance of elderly persons

Does elongation training effectively improve motor function?-a single-case design verification study

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate whether elongation training (ELT) was effective in improving motor function in a single case. [Participant and Methods] A 90-year-old male with Parkinson’s syndrome participated in this study. This study used the A-B-A type of single case design. In the ‘A’ period, normal lower limb exercises (extension and abduction of the hip joint) were performed. The same exercise from the ‘A’ period was performed using an elongation band in the ‘B’ period for ELT. The implementation period included 2 weeks of the ‘A’ period, 2 weeks of the ‘B’ period, and then 2 weeks of the ‘A’ period again. Motor function was evaluated using the one-leg standing time on each side, and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). [Results] In the ‘A’ period, there was no change in the one-leg standing time on each side and the TUG. However, in the ‘B’ period, the one-leg standing time on each side increased, and the TUG values decreased. When returning to the ‘A’ period, the one-leg standing time on each side decreased, and the TUG increased. [Conclusion] It can be suggested that ELT safely improves motor function at home, even in older people.