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Changes in the physical functions of pre‐frail elderly women after participation in a 1‐year preventative exercise program
Author(s) -
Sugimoto Hiroe,
Demura Shinichi,
Nagasawa Yoshinori,
Shimomura Masaaki
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.12198
Subject(s) - medicine , gerontology , physical therapy , physical activity , physical medicine and rehabilitation
Aim The present study clarifies the effects of participation in a preventative health classroom program (exercise program) for 1 year on the physical functions of pre‐frail elderly individuals in comparison with healthy elderly individuals. Methods Participants in the study included 28 elderly pre‐frail female participants and 28 elderly healthy female participants. Participants engaged in the exercise program for 1 year. There was no significant age or physical differences between both groups. Before and after the exercise program, the following physical function tests were carried out: grip strength, one‐legged balance with eyes open, 5‐m walking time and a timed up & go ( TUG ). Results The pre‐frail elderly group tested significantly lower in the one‐legged balance with eyes open test and the TUG test compared with the healthy elderly group. The 5‐m walking time test improved significantly in both groups, but the TUG improved only in the pre‐frail elderly group. Conversely, the grip strength and one‐legged balance with eyes open tests remained unchanged. Conclusion Improvements in the TUG and 5‐m walking time tests were found in the pre‐frail elderly group after the 1‐year exercise program. Their results in the TUG test might be greater than those among the healthy elderly individuals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 975–982.