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Scientific Research
Gymstick training: effects to neuromuscular- and
circulatory systems, 2004
Testing period:
Five weeks
Objective:
Study the effects of Gymstick exercise.
Participants: 15 subjects, from 22 to 29 years old,
who did not exercise actively were tested in the research.
They exercised with the Gymstick 3-4 times a week. Once a week
they participated in an exercise session led by an instructor.
The remaining 2-3 times they trained independently.
Results:
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As a result of using Gymstick, every
participants sit up endurance was improved. The average
improvement was 72 per cent.
·
Most of the particpants showed significant
improvement in body flexors’ strength. 12 out of 15 subjects
improved their result. The average improvement was 19 per
cent.
·
The isometric strength of the lower limb showed
a statistically significant improvement as thirteen subjects
improved their results with the average of 19 per cent.
·
The muscular imbalance showed improvement in
terms of strength. The average improvement was 23 per cent.
·
The measurements taken after the exercise period
show clear improvement in dynamic balance skills. The test
measured distance and speed. The subjects had to complete a
task on a balance platform.
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As a result of exercising the distance was reduced by
10 per cent on the average.
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As a result of exercising the time improved by about 21
per cent.
The research was
conducted by:
Anu Rannikko,
Hanna Salminen and Janne Avela (Ph.D., Research director)
Neuromuscular Research Center
Department of Biology of Physical Activity
University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Gymstick in Therapeutic exercise, 2004
Testing period:
Seven weeks
Objective:
Test the the effects of exercise intervention on muscular
strength and balance.
Particpants:
Six people aged between 39 and 59.
The pre-tests and the post-tests included the dynamic parts
of a test which measures the condition of the back; the test
is developed by Orton. The ‘one-leg standing’ test and a
questionnaire before and after the test were also included in
the pre-tests and post-tests.
Results:
The results show that exercising
with Gymstick improves balance and performance of the muscles.
The average results of the group showed improvement in all of
the categories. The improvement figure is the average of the
whole group against pre-test results.
·
The result of the ‘One-leg standing’ test
improved by 54 per cent for the right foot (eyes open) and for
the left 129 per cent (eyes open).
·
When the subjects did the test eyes closed, the
balance improved with the average of 126 per cent for right
foot and 147 per cent for left foot.
·
The result of the abdominal test showed an
average improvement of 272 per cent.
·
The average improvement in the back muscle test
was 37 per cent.
·
The improvement of the upper limb test was 49
per cent for the right limb and 89 per cent for the left limb.
·
The result of the squat test improved by 38 per
cent.
According to the questionnaires the
subjects found that the Gymstick motivated them to exercise
more actively. They also thought that it is a challenging form
of group exercise.
The research was conducted by Kati Yliniemi and Saara Äijö
Faculty of Social and Health Services
Degree Programme in Physiotherapy
Lahti Polytechnic
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