Effects of low-intensity bodyweight training with slow movement on motor function in frail elderly patients: a prospective observational study

Abstract

BackgroundSlow-motion training, an exercise marked by extremely slow movements, yields a training effect like that of a highly intense training, even when the applied load is small. This study evaluated the effects of low-intensity bodyweight training with slow movement on motor function in frail, elderly patients.MethodsNinety-seven elderly men and women aged 65 years or older, whose level of nursing care was classified as either support required (1 and 2) or long-term care required (care level 1 and 2), volunteered to participate. Two facilities were used. Participants in the first facility used low-intensity bodyweight training with slow movement (the LST group, n = 65), and participants in another facility used machine training (the control group, n = 31). Exercises were conducted for 3 months, once or twice a week, depending on the required level of nursing care. Changes in motor function were examined.ResultsPost-exercise measurements showed significant improvements from the pre-exercise levels after 3 months, based on the results of the Timed Up and Go test (p = 0.0263) and chair-stand test (p = 0.0016) in the low-intensity exercise with slow movement and tonic force generation (LST) group. Although the ability to stand on one leg with eyes open tended to improve, no significant change was found (p = 0.0964).ConclusionsWe confirmed that carrying out LST bodyweight training for 3 months led to improvements in ambulatory function and lower-limb muscle strength. In this way, it is possible that LST training performed by holding a bar or by staying seated on a chair contributes to improved motor function in elderly patients within a short time.Trial registrationUMIN000030853. Registered 17 January 2018. (retrospectively registered).

Long-term effects of low-intensity training with slow movement on motor function of elderly patients: a prospective observational study

“…We developed a slow-motion weight training program using one’s own body weight that can be easily performed by frail elderly subjects at home. In a previous study, it was confirmed that walking function and lower limb muscle strength were improved by slow training using one’s own body weight for 3 months [5]. In this study, exercise training was performed by elderly individuals for 12 months, and whether long-term improvements were achieved was examined.…”

“…We developed an LST program based on a previous program [5]; for 12 months, participants underwent the exercise interventions once or twice per week, depending on the individual’s required level of nursing care. Regarding the amount of physical exercise, two sets of six different types of exercise (to strengthen the thighs, lower legs, buttocks, abdomen, chest, and back) were performed at a pace of eight times per minute (all exercises were performed with a hold time of 1–2 s with a rest period of 1–2 s); the sets of exercises were separated by 1-min breaks.…”

The Effects of a Multicomponent Lower Extremity Training Technique on Physical Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…This may account for the improvements on the TUGT and FTSST found in this study. Previously, studies by Kanda et al (2018) and Watanabe et al (2014) showed significant increases in physical performance ability and muscle strength using low-intensity bodyweight and low-intensity (30% of one repetition maximum) resistance training, respectively. This is consistent with the results of this study.…”

The effects of toe grip training on physical performance and cognitive function of nursing home residents

“…In other words, toe grip training alone is not sufficient to improve locomotive performance in nursing home residents [16, 17]. Toe grip training needs to be combined with a conventional aerobic or resistance training program [33]. Toe grip training is a safe and convenient training method that can be performed at any time (for example, while watching TV) and anywhere (for example, in the bed or bath).…”