The effects of exercise program with added weight on human function, active fitness and quality of life in the frail elderly

Abstract

Yang, J.S., Hwang, B.G., Ko, D.G. The effects of exercise program with added weight on human function, active fitness and quality of life in the frail elderly. Exercise Science. 19(1): 79-88, 2010. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise program with added weight on human function, active fitness and quality of life in the frail elderly. Thirty-two frail female elderly were participated in this study(exercise group: sixteen, control group: sixteen). The exercise program was carried out three per week for 12weeks. Data were analyzed with χ 2 -test, paired t-test and independent t-test using SPSS program. The results were as follows; Exercise program for the frail elderly showed statistically significant effects on improving human function(62.5%), grip strength(dominant: 31.9%, non-dominant: 31.8%), single leg stand(111.7%), timed up & go(21.9%). Quality of life(21.5%) also showed statistically significant improvement after exercise training, but not statistically significant compared to the control group. From what has been discussed above, exercise program for the frail elderly people was very effective on improving function and quality of life.