The Effect of Complex Stretching on Physical Fitness in Active Elderly

Stretching is the optimal exercise for mental and physical relaxation. Its greatest advantages include the promotion of joint movement, and the improvement of blood circulation and ability of exercising (Kim Myeong-hwa, 2008). In this context, this study sought to determine whether or not the stretching exercise offers absolute help to the exercise ability in active male elderly people by having positive effects on the behavioral fitness factors, or which type of stretching of the complex and dynamic stretching is effective. Specifically, 8-week program by stretching type was conducted for 21 male elderly people after allowing them to adjust to this exercise so as to define a change in their behavioral fitness. The following conclusion was reached.BR The stretching program was conducted for active male elderly people. As a result, of behavioral fitness, in flexibility, agility, and equilibrium factors, only the complex stretching group showed positive changes. Therefore, the complex stretching program was determined to be effective in improving the flexibility, equilibrium and agility of the active male elderly people.