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PURPOSE This study aimed to provide fundamental data contributing to balance ability and gait ability in elderly with chronic arthritis by functional gait exercise on balance ability and gait ability. METHODS Twenty voluntary subjects (10 exercise, 10 non-exercise) with an understanding toward the aims of this study were selected and their balance ability and gait ability, before and after the functional gait exercise, were measured. RESULTS As for the balance ability, there were significant differences between pre- and post-values in the exercise group after completing the functional gait exercise program. Meanwhile, in the aspect of comparisons between post-values in both groups, there were significant improvements in up (U), down (D), right (R), left (L) rate of the exercise group. As for the gait ability, there were significant differences between pre- and post-values in the exercise group after completing the functional gait exercise program. In the aspect of comparisons between post-values in both groups, there were significant improvements in only the exercise group. CONCLUSIONS The study results indicate that the functional gait exercise program is effective in improving the balance ability and gait ability of elderly with chronic arthritis.