Time Course Changes in Physical Function Following Different Exercise Interventions for Community-Dwelling Elderly Balance and Muscle Strength Exercises

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to conduct different interventions for frail community-dwelling elderly persons and investigate the time course changes in their physical function. [Subjects] The subjects were 51 frail community-dwelling elderly over 65 years of age, classified from category 1 of needing support to category 1 of needing care. [Method] The subjects were divided into a balance exercise group (24 persons) and a muscle strength exercise group (27 persons), according to site, and exercises were performed for 1 hour once a week for 3 months. Oneleg standing with eyes open, the sit-to-stand (STS) time, timed up-and-go (TUG), and lower limb muscle strength were used to assess physical function, and their time course changes were analyzed in each group. [Results] In the balance exercise group, lower limb muscle strength had significantly increased after 1 month, and subsequently all the physical function assessments significantly improved. In the muscle strength exercise group, lower limb muscle strength increased significantly after 2 months, and subsequently the results of the STS and TUG times significantly improved. [Conclusion] In each of the exercise groups, physical function improved after increase in lower limb muscle strength. Furthermore, different responses were shown to the balance and muscle strengthening exercises. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR