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THE EFFECT OF AN EXERCISE THERAPY PROGRAM ON NEUROMUSCULAR BALANCE AND PERCEIVED WELLNESS IN SEDENTARY

K Lindsay
H Smith

Abstract

K. Lindsay & H. Smith
Bethel University, St. Paul, MN

Purpose: Neuromuscular balance (NB) is an important aspect of functional movement and overall physical health. Exercise is an essential tool in maintaining physical health as an aspect of overall perceived wellness. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of therapeutic exercises on NB and subcategories of self-perceived wellness in sedentary individuals. Methods: Subjects (mean age 35.8yrs ±7.4 SD; mean HT 172.5cm ±7.6 SD; mean WT 83.52kg ±20.1 SD) participated in pre- and post-assessments at Bethel University in the Exercise Medicine and Prevention Center. Assessments included a Perceived Wellness Survey with 6 subcategories of wellness and a Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Subjects randomly placed into the experimental group were assigned 2 corrective exercises as directed by the FMS manual and pre-assessment FMS analysis. Between assessments, the experimental group performed exercises 2x per week individually and 1x per week supervised by co-researchers for 4 weeks. The control group was asked to continue pre-assessment physical activity. Results: Paired sample t-tests using SPSS software showed a significant increase in FMS scores for the experimental group (mean=1.06±0.789 SD, p=0.01). Significance was found between experimental FMS score mean increase and all wellness subcategory means (Psychological mean=0.058±0.289 SD, p=0.004; Emotional mean=0.073±0.265 SD, p=0.008; Social mean=0.018±0.796 SD, p=0.049; Physical mean=0.074±0.447 SD, p=0.008; Spiritual mean=0.00±0.513 SD, p=0.018; Intellectual mean=0.092±0.513 SD, p=0.003). Conclusion: Data indicated that an exercise therapy program significantly increased NB over a 4-week period. An increase in NB also significantly affected all wellness subcategories. This may suggest therapeutic exercises used to improve NB increases all aspects of self-perceived wellness. As healthcare becomes increasingly integrated, therapeutic exercises may be considered to increase overall well-being.

NACSM Professional Sponsor: Seth Paradis

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