Effects of High-speed Elastic Band Training on Physical Fitness and Muscle Function in Rural Community-dwelling Elderly: a Single-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aging related decrease in muscle strength and flexibility leads to functional loss of physical ability. Power training is known to improve these capacities and helps in performing daily routine better. Therefore, we modified previously proven and certified sarcopenia intervention exercise for elderly in rural community and applied them to examine the effects on physical fitness and muscle functions to show its applicability. METHODS: Subjects were divided into control and exercise group using single-blind method. Exercise group underwent high-speed elastic band training(concentric contraction in 1 second) 2 days per week for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, we performed body composition analysis, anthropometric measurement, blood test, blood pressure check, senior fitness test (SFT), upper body and lower body strength examination. Korean version of Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (K-PASE), and Center for Epidemiological Studies- Depression Scale (CES-D) were also assessed. RESULTS: Body weight in control group was significantly increased (Paired t-test P=0.008), although it was consistent in exercise group (GroupxTime P=0.013). 30-second chair stand (P<0.001) and 30-second arm curl (P<0.001) of the senior fitness test were also significantly improved in exercise group compared to control. In addition, muscle strength of knee flexion (P=0.034) and K-PASE score (P<0.001) were improved in training group with statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The modified high-speed elastic band training for rural elderly improved muscle strength and daily physical performance. This result suggests a simple and easy to perform band training could be an excellent solution to prevent sarcopenia in rural elderly. It also supports the evidence that this program would be widely distributed.