Implementation of eccentric lunge walking as a daily exercise for older adults: A feasibility study
Naduni Wijethunga

Date and Time

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Theme / Track

Health, medical and integrated care

Presentation Format

Poster Presentation
Background: Eccentric lunge walking (ELW) focuses on transferring body weight onto the front leg for ~3 s while flexing the front knee gradually in the stepping phase (eccentric phase). It has been shown to improve physical functions. However, its feasibility as a safe, independent daily exercise for older adults remains unclear. We examined whether older adults could learn ELW, perform it independently, and retain key technique components after one week. Methods: Fifteen healthy older adults (60–80; 72.5±8.1 y) completed two sessions. In session one, participants learnt ELW and performed 4, 6, and 10 step trials with feedback until correct techniques were achieved, assessed using an observational checklist. After seven days, participants performed the 10 step ELW without instruction and were reassessed. Ten techniques were scored as binary (1=correct, 0=incorrect), with retention classified as full (10/10), partial (7–9/10), or none (<7/10). Descriptive statistics measured practice trials and retention. Results: Participants required 2–7 (5.2±1.7), 2–4 (3.5±1.1), and 2–6 (3.4±1.2) trials for the 4, 6, and 10 step conditions, respectively. At one week, 14 of 15 participants performed ELW independently; 5 demonstrated full retention and 9 partial retention. One participant relearned the technique and successfully performed ELW one week later. Participants reported no pain or fatigue after ELW, but maintaining balance was difficult. Conclusion: ELW can be learned in a single session and performed independently after one week, supporting its feasibility as a safe, accessible exercise. ELW could be effective for promoting active ageing, which warrants further studies.

Keywords

Exercise, Health Management, Implementation, Wellness / Well Being

Authors

Georgios Mavropalias, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University
Favil Singh, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University
Kazunori Nosaka,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University