THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TAR GRIP TOSS GAME ON THE GRIP STRENGTH OF THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Background: The population of seniors aged 60 years and over will reach nearly 2.1 billion by 2050. During the aging process, the strength of the musculoskeletal system decreases and physical measures to increase muscle strength are essential to prevent downward changes in muscle cells. The Tar Grip Toss game is also an action to determine hand grip strength. The activities in this game are used to demonstrate physical function and muscle weakness associated with physical activity. The test participants who took part in the research were elderly people aged 60 years and over who regularly played the game twice a week. Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of the Tar Grip Toss game on the grip strength of the elderly. Method: Data were analyzed by paired samples t-test and p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Hand grip strength test results (total 42 subjects) showed statistically significant differences in both hands before and after the training period (right hand: p= 0.0080, left hand: p= 0.0001). Conclusion: Regular exercise with the Tar Grip Toss game influences grip strength as a predictor of physical function in the elderly and improves their quality of life.

Keyword: Grip strength, Seniors, Tar Grip Toss Game