The effect of the relaxation training on the general health and selected physical fitness factors affecting seniors balance

Abstract: The effectiveness of relaxation training on general health and fitness factors influencing the balance of elderly women were examined. Experimental and quasi-experimental was our methods . 120healthy women aged over 60 years were randomly assigned to three groups of water (40) Yoga (40) andcontrol group (40). General Health Questionnaire, Stork Test in order to measure mental health and WalesTest for static balance, flexibility was used. Up and down stairs test to measure dynamic balance to measuremuscle strength in the lower body and legs standing chair was used. One-way ANOVA and t-test were usedfor data analysis. The results showed that water exercise can improve dynamic balance, muscle strengthstatic balance, and depression, but did not cause significant changes in the variable flexibility. On the otherhand yoga significantly improved muscle strength, dynamic balance, static balance and subscalesdepression (p ≤ 0.001). The mean scores of anxiety and depression in the yoga group better than the controlgroup. As a result, the use of water exercise and practice yoga leads to improved cognitive static anddynamic balance, muscle strength in the lower extremities and some mental health subscales of anxietydepression and social function.,,

The general health questionnaire, Stork test, dynamic balance, static balance, muscle strength.