Effects of a 5-Month Follow-Up After a 5-Week Exercise Program Using a Robotic Suit on Physical Function in Low-Fitness Older Adults.

Abstract

Aim: Robotic suit-based exercises can be safely used for older adults. However, the effects of performing and discontinuing such programs on physical function remain unknown. We examined the long-term effects of a 5-week robotic suit-based exercise program on physical function in older adults with low fitness and assess the impact of exercise discontinuation during a 5-month follow-up period.

Methods: We conducted a follow-up analysis of a completed randomized controlled trial. Community-dwelling older adults (n = 75, mean age = 74.7 ± 4.4 years) participated in a 5-week hybrid assistive limb robotic suit-based exercise program. We measured six physical function tests (gait speed at usual pace, five times sit-to-stand test, timed up and go test, functional reach test, two-step test, and grip strength), and the five-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale score. Evaluations were conducted at baseline, postintervention, and after the 5-month follow-up. Participants were stratified into those who continued exercising during the follow-up at the intervention facility (facility-attending group) and those who discontinued (nonattending group).

Results: Significant improvements were observed postintervention in all physical function, especially gait speed (effect size: Cohen's d = 1.7), which remained higher than baseline after the follow-up period (Cohen's d = 1.2). Most physical function declined during the follow-up period. However, participants in the facility-attending group maintained their physical function levels, with no significant decline in most measures.

Conclusion: Hybrid assistive limb-based exercise improved physical function, especially gait speed. Continuous exercise postintervention is essential to maintain these improvements.