Effect of simple home exercise focused on timing and coordination on lower-extremity function in non-disabled older persons: A quasi-randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: Lower-extremity function is a predictor of subsequent disability in non-disabled older persons. The present study aimed to determine the effect of simple home exercise focused on timing and coordination of movement on lower-extremity function in community dwelling non-disabled older persons. Materials and methods: Study design was a single-blind quasi-randomized controlled trial. The participants were 66 non-disabled older persons aged 60 years or older who independent activity of daily living and walking indoor and outdoor. They were devilled into intervention group (n = 34) and control group (n = 32). Participants in the control group participated in routine activities. The intervention group participated in a 1-month of simple home exercise focused on timing and coordination of movement consisted of calf raise, pivot turn and front stepping. Lower-extremity function was assessed by measuring maximum walking speed, figure-of-8 walk test, 3-m zigzag walk test and chair stand five test at baseline and at 1month after starting the intervention. Results: The intervention improved chair stand five test (8.8sec to 7.5sec; p < .05). There was no significant change in maximum walking speed, figure-of-8 walk test and 3-m zigzag walk test. The mean adherence rate of home exercise was 76.1 ± 17.4%. Conclusion: Simple home exercise focused on timing and coordination of movement is effective to improve lower-extremity function in community dwelling non-disabled older persons.