The Effect of Yu-Dong-Kong on Physical Function and Emotional State in Elderly

Yoo, Ji Soo

Abstract

Yu-Dong-Kong exercise is to produce heat from rubbing hands and is composed of 10 different types of exercise using warmed hands. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of Yu-Dong-Kong exercise on physical function and emotional state in elderly. The design of research is Nonequivalent Control Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The independent variable is Yu-Dong-Kong exercise, and the dependent variables are physical function and emotional state. Subjects are 18 elderly in the experimental group and 16 elderly in control group. All of them are above 60 year old and live in I-city, Kyonggi-do. The exercise period was 4 weeks and data were collected from April to August in 1998. The exercise frequency was once a day. The exercise duration was from 10 to 20 minutes. The measurement tools are modified 1) Cornell Medical Index-Health Questionnaire and 2) Geriatric Depression Scale. Collected data were analyzed by t-test and paired t-test based on the purposes of research using SPSS-Window package. The results are summarized as follows : 1. There was no difference in pre-exercise physical function between two groups(t=-0.95, p=0.35). 2. The hypothesis that "physical function in the experimental group will be improved compared to the control group" was not supported by t-test(t=-0.925, p=0.362). However, the physical function in the experimental group showed much improvement than that in the control group. 3. The hypothesis that "emotional state in the experimental group will be improved compared to the control group" was not supported by t-test(t=-1.715, p=0.096). However, the emotional state in the experimental group showed much improvement than that in the control group. 4. The hypothesis that "physical function will be improved in the post-exercise compared to pre-exercise" was not supported by paired t-test(t=0.302, p=0.766) However, a slight improvement in the physical function was found. For the further study, it is recommended to reevaluate the effect of Yu-Dong-Kong exercise through large number of subjects and long-term study. Also, a separate study with different type of subjects is recommended. In addition, continuation and compliance this strategy for exercise should be developed.