Effects of exercise on the prevention of conditions leading to the need for long-term care

Abstract

Background: Intervention strategies for 'prevention of conditions leading to the need for long-term care' (prevention of long-term care status) that have physically and mentally proven effects are needed.

Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to clarify the physical and psycho-social effects of an exercise program, easily performed at home and in communities using inexpensive equipments for prevention of long-term care status.

Methods: A cluster of 196 participants was randomly assigned to the intervention group that performed the exercise for 8 weeks and the control group. Both groups received tests for physical strength and endurance and interview surveys at baseline and 9 weeks later. The exercise consisted of six types of stretching exercises, six types of muscle strength training, two types of balance training and toe stretching in order to improve ambulatory, balance and stability ability of elderly. The physical aspects of the subjects were assessed by balance assessment, activities of daily living (ADL), timed up-and-go test (TUG), functional reach test (FRT), sit and reach. The psycho-social aspects were assessed by the fall prevention self-efficacy scale (FPSE), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), degree of houseboundness, and assessment at the end of intervention.

Results: The intervention and control groups consisted of 101 and 81 persons at the baseline and 92 and 74 after intervention, respectively. The intervention group showed significantly higher values than the control group after exercise in the FRT, the FPSE and degree of houseboundness.

Conclusion: This exercise program can promote physical and psycho-social aspects of the health in the elderly, and may reduce the amount of care that the elderly require.