Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a progressive resistance training program on dynamic balance and functional mobility among the institutionalized elderly.
Methods: A total of 45 institutionalized elderly from a senior welfare home participated in this quasi-experimental study. The exercise group (n = 21) attended a group-based program for 12 weeks, meeting twice a week. A 2-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance and independent and paired t tests were used to analyze the data.
Results: The results showed a significant improvement for the exercise group in the Reach Test for the forward (%[DELTA]= 18.51%), right (%[DELTA]= 20.0%), and left (%[DELTA]= 17.7%) directions and in the 6-Minute Walk Test (%[DELTA]= 12.09%, all Ps < .001) after the intervention.
Conclusion: The elastic band training provides a simple and inexpensive exercise program that improves the balance control and consequently functional mobility effectively.