Acute Effects of 5 Min of Plantar Flexor Static Stretching on Balance and Gait in the Elderly

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of five minutes of plantar flexor static stretching (PSS) on the balance and gait of the elderly. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-five subjects aged 65 years and above performed 5 min of PSS in the form of wedge board standing. The sway length of each subject’s center of mass was measured to examine the subject’s static balance. It was measured by one minute of quiet standing with the eyes closed. Functional reach tests (FRTs), timed up and go tests (TUGs), and 10-meter walk tests (10MWTs) were performed to examine dynamic balance and gait before and after PSS. [Results] The outcome showed significant increases in sway distances (6.55 ± 5.03 cm) after stretching. However, in the FRTs, TUGs, and 10MWTs, the reach distance and time did not show any significant changes. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the elderly subjects temporarily experienced difficulties in maintaining balance immediately after the PSS but that their dynamic balance and gait were not adversely affected after a short period of time. Therefore, to prevent falls and perform exercises in a safe way, it is recommended to allow patients to rest after performing PSS.