Effect of Elderly Exercise on Visual Coordination in Straight Walking: A Pre-Experimental Study

I Putu Risa Pradnya Dipa; I Gede Arya Sena; Ni Luh Made Reny Wahyu Sari; Ni Putu Dwi Larashati

doi:10.24843/

Authors

I Putu Risa Pradnya Dipa Physiotherapy Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Dhyana Pura, Badung, Bali, Indonesia Author
I Gede Arya Sena Physiotherapy Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Dhyana Pura, Badung, Bali, Indonesia Author
Ni Luh Made Reny Wahyu Sari Physiotherapy Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Dhyana Pura, Badung, Bali, Indonesia Author
Ni Putu Dwi Larashati Physiotherapy Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Dhyana Pura, Badung, Bali, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/

Keywords:

Aged, Exercise Therapy, Postural Balance, Psychomotor Performance, Visual Perception

Abstract

Background: Aging is associated with progressive declines in musculoskeletal and sensorimotor functions, leading to impaired balance, slower reaction time, and increased fall risk. Elderly exercise is commonly recommended to maintain functional ability and mobility in older adults.

Objective: To determine the effect of elderly exercise on visual coordination during straight walking among older adults aged 60–65 years.

Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest study was conducted among 20 older adults recruited through purposive sampling. Participants completed an elderly exercise program twice weekly for four weeks. Visual coordination was assessed using the Human Benchmark Reaction Time Test, while walking performance was measured using the 4-Meter Walking Test. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests with a significance level of p<0.05.

Results: Significant improvements were observed following the intervention. The mean difference in 4-Meter Walking Test performance was 2.56 seconds (95% CI: 2.20–2.92; t=14.85; p<0.001). Visual reaction time improved by 325.50 ms (95% CI: 186.88–464.12; t=4.92; p<0.001). Reaction time improved by 23.24%, while walking performance improved by 30.36% after four weeks of elderly exercise.

Conclusion: Elderly exercise significantly improves visual coordination and walking performance in older adults. Regular participation in elderly exercise may serve as an effective physiotherapy strategy to enhance dynamic balance and reduce fall risk among community-dwelling older adults.