| Keywords |
Depression ; Frail elderly ; Regular exercise ; Functional fitness |
| Abstract |
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of regular exercise for a short period on the functional fitness and depression of frail elderly in the nursing home. The exercise program, which include stretching and rubber-band resistance training involving the upper arm, shoulder, and femoral muscles, was conducted 1 day per week for 8 weeks. Twenty-five subjects participated in the training. Functional fitness was measured by standardized methods, and depression was assessed by geriatric depression scale (GDS) score. These measurements were done before and after training. The GDS score was improved after training. Maximum isometric leg force, reaction time, stepping, balancing on either leg with the eyes open, and functional fitness were improved significantly over the training period. On the other hand, sitting trunk flexion, one leg balance with the eyes open, and grip strength were not changed after training. These results show that 8 weeks of elastic band exercise training can improve the functional fitness in upper leg and depression of elderly residents living in nursing home. |