Assessment of the effects of a group intervention program used in home-dwelling elderly individuals to promote home exercise and prevent locomotive syndrome

Abstract

[Purpose] We assessed the effects of a group intervention program used in home-dwelling elderly individuals to promote home exercise and prevent locomotive syndrome. [Participants and Methods] Pre- and post-intervention evaluations were performed in all participants. Group intervention was performed thrice between the pre- and post-intervention evaluations in all participants. A total of 19 elderly individuals participated in the pre- and post-intervention evaluations. Tests used for evaluation were the two-step test, standing-up test, and 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale. [Results] Among all participants in this study, 12 who performed all 3 aforementioned tests were classified as the non-absence group, whereas 7 who were absent more than once were classified as the absence group. We examined intergroup differences with respect to changes between the pre- and post-intervention evaluations, and we observed significant changes only in the results of the two-step test. [Conclusion] We conclude that low-frequency intervention in the form of workshops led to positive results with respect to improved physical function in home-dwelling elderly individuals.