Effects of self-exercise on community dwelling older adults

Abstract

This paper investigated the effects of 14 weeks of self-exercise on physical functions among community dwelling older adults. Eighteen older adults (mean age = 74.1 years) participated in the study. The participants were instructed to perform three kinds self-exercise (standing on one leg for a minute, moving from sitting to standing positions using a chair for ten repetitions, and brisk walking) daily for a period of 14 weeks. Physical functions (strength, balance, physical performance, and body composition) were measured before and after the self-exercise term and the values were compared. The results showed that participants’ balance function improved with self-exercise, but skeletal muscle mass index declined during the 14 weeks. Adherence of each self-exercise varied among the participants, and deceased adherence rate in mid period. These findings suggest that regular self-exercise can maintain physical function in older adults but is not enough to increase their muscle mass. Regular supervision or encouragement may be necessary to facilitate exercise adherence and improvement of physical functioning among older adults