The Effects Of Core Muscle Training Combined With Lower Limbs Strengthening On Physical Fitness Of community Elderly: 1007 Board #268 May 30 3 30 PM - 5 00 PM

According to the long-term care service planning proposed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan, 80% of the aging population requiring long-term care service would also require community-based or home-base care. The strength of lower limbs and core muscle plays important role in prevention against fall behavior, especially for the community elderly. PURPOSE: To evaluate the physical fitness of the elderly in local community care-concern center in Taiwan, a four-month course of regular core muscle training and lower limbs strengthening was conducted. METHODS: Four elderly (Age: 66±1.6 years of age; Body height: 156.7±6.6 cm, Body weight: 62.5±13.7 kg) without any severe illness were included in this study. The training of core muscle training and lower limbs strengthening last for four months with 3 sessions per week, 60 min per session, and an intensity of 5-6 on the Ratings of Perceived Exertion scale. Physical fitness was evaluated one week before and after the intervention. Data of multiple variables were collected by using questionnaire and examination on functional fitness including grip, two-min step test, back scratch test, and 8-foot up-and-go test. The ranges of motion and isometric strength of lumbar spine and knee were measured by the microFET3. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and paired-samples t test were used to evaluate the effects of the intervention. RESULTS: The results showed significant improvement after the 4-month course in back scratch test, 2-min step test, chair sit-and reach test, and isometric strength of lumbar spine and knee (p < 0.05). Among the other tests, no significant differences were observed. CONCLUSION: Core muscle training combined with lower limbs strengthening for community elderly can improve physical fitness and isometric strength of low back and knee.