32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Effect of Boxing on Improving Hand-Eye Coordination in the Elderly
Rachel I. Jacobs*, Molly E. Waddle, and Jamie N. Logan
Dr. Jerry Mayhew, Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of boxing simulation training for improving upper extremities hand-eye coordination of the elderly. Twenty nursing home patients volunteered to participate in an eight-week seated boxing class. Handwriting and drawing samples were collected before and after training. Pre-test writing (M ± SD = 49.5 ± 21.9%) was not significantly different (p = 0.52) from post-test (M ± SD = 53.5 ± 20.3%). Pre-test drawing (M ± SD = 49.5 ± 16.7%) was not significantly different (p = 0.11) from post-test drawing (M ± SD = 56.5 ± 18.4%). Non-significant differences may have been due to the large variability for both tests (SD=27.2% and 18.7%, respectively). With writing, 9 participants improved (45%) and 4 remained the same (20%). With drawing, 12 improved (60%) and 2 remained the same (10%). Gross motor skills may improve more than writing motor skills in the elderly.
Keywords: Boxing, Hand-Eye Coordination, Elderly , Drawing Skills, Writing Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Nursing Home Patients, Upper Extremities
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 5-4
Location: SUB GEO
Time: 3:00