Intervention study of finger-movement exercises and finger weight-lift training for improvement of handgrip strength among the very elderly

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the effects of finger-movement exercises and finger weight-lift training on handgrip strength and Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADLS) values. Methods: A total of 80 very elderly adults (aged ≥80 years) were assigned to either an intervention group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). Subjects in the intervention group performed finger-movement exercises and weight-lift training for a period of 3 months, while subjects in the control group received no intervention, and were unaware of the interventions received in the other group. Results: After completing 3 months of finger-movement exercises and weight-lift training, the average handgrip strength of the 40 participants in the intervention group had increased by 2.1 kg, whereas that in the control group decreased by 0.27 kg (P 22 points decreased by 7.5% (P < 0.05, vs. pre-intervention). Conclusions: The combined use intervention with finger-movement exercises and proper finger weight-lift training improved the handgrip strength and ADLS values of very elderly individuals. These rehabilitation exercises may be used to help the elderly maintain their self-care abilities.

Keywords

• Finger movement
• Handgrip
• Long term care
• The very elderly
• Weight training