ABSTRACT
We used a randomized controlled trial and examined the effectiveness of a 3-month, home based, exercise program to the functioning in older Japanese adults. Following the intervention, we also conducted 3- and 6-month follow-up studies of physical functioning and exercise adherence. Participants were older adults (n = 32, 16 males and 16 females, age over 75 years). They were randomly divided into exercise and control groups. The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competences, the Mini-Mental State Examinations, as well as physical fitness tests assessing grip strength, maximum step length, 10 m walking speed, and standing on one leg with eyes open were administered to the participants. Moreover, home visit instructions were given biweekly. Participants worked out at home on 3 days a week. Analyses of variance indicated that the intervention group significantly increased their maximum step length and time standing on one leg with eyes open, although there were no significant changes in the other tests. Result of follow-up investigations indicated that maximum step lengths at 3- and 6-months after the intervention were 69.9 and 68.8 cm respectively, which was less than immediately after the intervention (70.6 cm), but significantly higher than before the intervention (65.8 cm). Moreover, the effect of the intervention on standing on one leg with eyes open was maintained at the 6-month follow-up. Furthermore, percentages of participants that exercised more than one day per week 3- and 6 months after the intervention were 87 % and 81 % respectively, which was significantly higher than before the intervention (44 %). These results suggest that the home-based exercise program was effective in promoting adherence for a period of 6-months.
ABSTRACT
Regular physical activity has been regarded as a possible means to minimize the adverse physiological changes associated with aging, as well as to contribute to mental health and well-being in later life. To encourage increased participation in exercise among elderly people, and to emphasize the value of exercise in geriatric health care, this article provides an overview of the effects of primary care based physical activity on healthy aging. It is clear from the number of recently published papers on this topic that daily participation in 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity should be recommended for elderly people. The results of physical activity interventions focusing on balance and resistance training in both home- and group-based exercises suggest that it is possible to improve physical functions and to prevent falls and disabilities in daily living. Multiple-element interventions (e. g., advice, as well as strategies to increase self-efficacy and motivation, and to eliminate barriers to participation), tailored to individual activity preferences, are likely to be more successful than more prescriptive single-focus interventions. A home-based physical therapy program can successfully enhance the independence of the frail elderly in community dwellings.