Effect of Long-term Resistant Training Program and Thumbtack Needles Treatment on the Comprehensive QOL in the Elderly / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

Objective: We have examined the efficacy of our long-term resistant training program on physical ability, masticatory performance, and nutrition status in the elderly. We further have investigated the effects of thumbtack needle treatment used together with the training on the comprehensive QOL. Materials & Methods: Participants: Forty elderly participants aged 65 years or older who have been trained for more than three years at our fitness club (RTG). Sixteen elderly in RTG who were able to participate in a 3-year exercise evaluation have been examined the efficacy of our training program on physical ability.  The training program was set up on basis of one term that the training carried out twice a week for 3 months. This program was totally carried out for three years. Evaluation of the training effect has been conducted every after the each term. The items of physical fitness tests were divided into ten items including the knee extension strength and one-leg standing time with eyes open. The average nutrient intake of energy was calculated by using a meal questionnaire for diet content of 3 days prepared to RTG. The masticatory performance was evaluated by using color-chewing gum.  The thumbtack needle treatment was performed on two points of Zusanli (ST36 Zusanli) and Sanyinjiao (SP6 Sanyinjiao) for twenty-eight elderly in RTG during 2 weeks. The assessment of thumbtack needles treatment was performed by measurement of salivary cortisol and CgA, using SF-8TM questionnaire before and after the thumbtack needles treatment. Results & Discussion: The knee extension strength (kg) and one-leg standing time with eyes open (sec) were significantly increased. We recognized a significant positive correlation between the masticatory performance and knee extension strength, and between the masticatory performance and average nutrient intake of energy for 3days at the RTG. Furthermore, following the thumbtack needle treatment for two weeks, mean values of salivary cortisol after training was significantly decreased compared with those before training, but no significant change was recognized in mean values of salivary CgA. In the SF-8th questionnaire after the thumbtack needle treatment was performed, the mean value of PCS (Physical Component Summary) score increased significantly, and mean values of MCS (Mental Component Summary) score tended to increase. Additionally, mean values of RP (Role Physical) and VT (Vitality), GH (General Health) subscale scores were significantly improved.  The results of the present study demonstrate that our training program was effective for improving walking ability and balance ability as well as preventing the decline of the other exercise functions and maintaining the masticatory performance and good nutrient status in the elderly.  Consequently, we concluded that our training program was a successful approach to prevent locomotive syndrome and the care for the elderly. In addition, improvement of the mental and physical QOL and subjective health index were brought about by using the thumbtack needles treatment on the resistant training.