Journal of Associated Medical Sciences (Jan 2017)
Effects of low-intensity exercise on physical fitness and health-related quality of life in pre-frail elderly women
Abstract
Background: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome resulting in functional decline and loss of independence. Regular exercise is beneficial to prevent or delay frailty process, However, research findings are inconsistent regarding exercise intensity, particularly on whether low-intensity exercise can improve the physical fitness of older adults. Objectives: To determine the effects of low-intensity exercise training on aerobic capacity, functional mobility, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in pre-frail elderly women. Materials and methods: Twenty-four pre-frail elderly women (mean aged 77.2±7.1 years) were randomly allocated to either an exercise period (30 minutes/day of supervised low-intensity arm swing exercise (ASE), 5 days/week) or a control period (maintaining daily routine activities) for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week washout period, then crossed over to another period for 12 weeks. Peak oxygen consumption (V̇ O2 peak), timed up-and-go test (TUGT), 4-meter walk test (4-MWT), and handgrip strength were assessed to all participants before and after each study period. HRQL was also evaluated using the Short-Form 36 questionnaire. Results: Results showed significant improvement in V̇ O2 peak (p<0.01), TUGT (p<0.01), and 4-MWT (p<0.01) after 12-week of low-intensity ASE training. Moreover, physical component summary (p<0.01) and mental component summary (p<0.01) were improved in the ASE period compared to those control period. Conclusion: It was suggest that low-intensity ASE is effective in improvingaerobic capacity, functional mobility, and HRQL for pre-frail elderly women. It may be a desired intensity level in promoting optimal health levels among the elderly with lower risk of injuries and long-term sustainability. Journal of Associated Medical Sciences 2017; 50(1): 87-99. Doi: 10.14456/jams.2017.8
