Ann Rehabil Med.  2025 Apr;49(2):91-103. 10.5535/arm.240119.

Effect of Soft Surface Stepping Exercise on Physical Activity Among Community-Dwelling Elderly: Prospective a Randomized Controlled Trial

• Kaewjoho C
• Poncumhak P
• Manoy P
• Ladawan S
• Khamnon N

• KMID: 2567484
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.240119

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the effects of modified stepping exercises over six weeks on functional mobility and individual lower extremity muscle strength in community-dwelling older individuals.
Methods
This prospective randomized controlled trial design was conducted in thirty-two older adults who completed a modified stepping exercises program (n=16 for soft-surface stepping exercise; n=16 for firm-surface stepping exercise). These exercises were practiced for 50 minutes/day, three days/week, over six weeks. They were assessed for their functional mobility relating to levels of independence at baseline, after 4 weeks, after 6 weeks of intervention, and at 1 month after the last intervention sessions.
Results
Both groups showed significant improvements in functional mobility, lower extremity muscle strength, and walking speed after 4 and 6 weeks of intervention, as well as at the one-month follow-up. However, the soft-surface stepping exercise group exhibited significantly greater improvements in dynamic balance (p=0.035) and lower extremity muscle strength (p=0.015) compared to the firm-surface stepping exercise group after 6 weeks of intervention. Additionally, the soft-surface group demonstrated superior gains in hip flexor (p=0.041), hip extensor (p=0.047), hip adductor (p=0.026), and hip abductor strength (p=0.046), with these enhancements maintained at the one-month follow-up.
Conclusion
Soft-surface stepping exercise that involves whole-body movements offers a promising alternative to promote independence and safety among community-dwelling older adults. This study underscores the need for future research to evaluate the sustained impact of these benefits post-intervention, particularly during a retention period following the intervention.

Keyword

Sensory integration; Postural balance; Range of motion; Articular; Gait

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Study flowchart.

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  Fig. 2. Modified stepping exercise. (A) Soft-surface stepping exercise. (B) Firm-surface stepping exercise.

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