Effects of Physical Training and Behavioural Strategies Towards Muscle Strength and Mental Health in the Elderly

Abstract

The promotion of physical training (PT) and positive behavior in the elderly requires effective interventions. This study shows the effect of PT during an 11-week intervention program by applying behavioral strategies. A total of 63 participants aged 65 years old were randomly divided into three groups: Physical with a behavioral group, PB (n=18), Physical group, PG (n=23), and Control group, CG (n=22). PB and PG participants underwent a six-week group-based multi-component PT for one hour per session, three sessions a week. After PT, participants in PB began five-week behavioral exercises for 30 min, twice a week. Meanwhile, CG participants only have to maintain their daily routines. Upper and lower limb muscle strength and mental health were assessed. Results from repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences between groups due to time factor, group and time interaction, and between-group factor (p<0.05) for Right UL, Left UL, and LL strength. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for mental health [F(2.58) = 33.49] (p<0.05)] showed significant main effects among participants in PB, thus indicating improved mental health. In conclusion, combined of PT and behavioral strategies may be a promising strategy in enhancing better physical and mental well-being of the elderly.

Elderly Friendly Exercises: A PRISMA-Guided Review of the Literature to Enable Awareness of Exercise that are Recommended for Elderly

“…The studies concluded that chair-based exercise programs have positive effects on physical and cognitive functioning in older adults, thus improving their physical and mental well-being. Upper and lower limb: Two of the studies conducted quasiexperimental studies [67,138], one conducted randomized controlled intervention [137], one conducted a randomized controlled pilot trial [14], and the others didn't mention the study conducted. Two of the studies included only female participants [67,130], and one included only male participants [37].…”

“…The number of participants ranged from 20 to 63. Two of the studies were conducted in England [14,130], one was conducted in South Korea [137], one in Malaysia [138], and one in Brazil [139]. The study [67] concluded that chair yoga improves upper and lower limb strength.…”

Effects of physical fitness on mental health of Chinese college students: across-sectional study

“…Previous studies have demonstrated a close relationship between physical fitness and mental symptoms. For example, exercise improves mood [ 18 ], running can lessen loneliness and improve one’s physical well-being [ 19 , 20 ], and eight weeks of swimming instruction can help college students feel better mentally [ 21 ]. However, exercise regimens in these studies must provide a comprehensive assessment of a person’s level of physical fitness.…”

The effect of moderate and low-intensity aerobic exercise on lowering blood sugar

“…Dennison et al emphasize that while overweight individuals are at higher risk of diabetes, the onset can be forestalled with awareness, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle geared towards weight loss and blood sugar reduction. However, in this fastpaced era, many people indulge in unhealthy habits, such as consuming sugary or unhealthy foods, smoking, drinking alcohol, and avoiding exercise, as preliminary research indicates [16]. Neglecting these habits may have dire consequences, hastening the onset of severe complications [17].…”