This research aimed to explore the effects of a 16-week Foam roller exercise program as an exercise intervention on VAS, Fullerton Advanced Balance scale and functional fitness in elderly women. It was conducted at J senior citizen center in B Metropolitan city, South Korea. A total of 24 subjects were recruited for this research. 12 were assigned to Foam roller exercise group and 12 were assigned to control group randomly. A 60 minute Foam roller exercise was applied to them as the intervention 3 times a week for 16 weeks. The VAS was performed to evaluate overall, neck, waist and knee pain. Fullerton Advanced Balance scale test was performed to measure static balance ability, dynamic balance ability, coordination ability, and position control ability. The Senior fitness test was performed to evaluate upper body and lower body strength, flexibility, dynamic balance & agility, and endurance. Mean and standard deviation were calculated to analyze the research data by using SPSS Version 22.0. Two-way repeated ANOVA was conducted to verify the differences between time and groups, and interaction between time and groups. Statistical significance was set at p<.05. This research showed that there was a statistically Significant increase between pre-post measurement among FAB scale items appeared in reaching forward retrieve object, turning in a full circle right and left direction, jump with both feet for distance, walk while turning head and total score for Foam roller exercise group. It also showed that Significant interaction was in reaching forward retrieve object, turning in a full circle right and left direction, stand on one leg, eyes opened, jump with both feet for distance, walk while turning head, restore balance after backward disturbance and total score for Foam roller exercise group. Significant increase between pre-post measurement appeared in upper and lower body strength, flexibility, dynamic balance & agility for Foam roller exercise group. Also, there were significant interactions in upper body strength, lower body flexibility and cardiovascular fitness for Foam roller exercise group.
In conclusion, Foam roller exercise program confirmed the effectiveness on Fullerton Advanced Balance scale and functional fitness though it was a kind of low intensity exercise. This program can be used as an effective exercise intervention to enhance balance ability easily with reasonable price than other activities, prevent falls and maintain Quality of life in elderly women living in a community.