[3P23] Effects of a community-based exercise program on the physical function and daily functional capacity of older persons of varying fitness levels

「Objective」: This study sought to examine the effects of a community-based exercise program on the physical function and daily functional capacity of older persons of varying levels of physical fitness. 「Methods」: The study subjects consisted of 103 women and men, aged 60-79 years. As part of the study, the subjects engaged in a 90-minute aerobics session once per week for a period of six months. Before and after the program, they underwent physical fitness tests and provided responses to the TMIG Index of Competence, a questionnaire that assesses the daily functional capacity of older persons living in communities. The physical fitness tests consisted of tests of grip and knee strength, sit and reach, standing on one leg, stepping, reaction time, 5-m normal and maximum-speed walks, and 400-m walk Participants were divided three groups according to physical fitness levels, as assessed in tests before the program (HIGH, MIDDLE, LOW). 「Results」: Compared to the HIGH group, the LOW group was both older (69.5 vs. 65.8 years) and had a higher proportion of women (96.3% vs. 57.7%). In the HIGH group, performance for standing on one leg, 5-m normal and maximum-speed walking, and 400-m walking times improved from before to after the program. Grip and knee strength and sit and reach performance also improved in the LOW group. The TMIG Index of Competence rose in the LOW group, but not in the HIGH group. 「Conclusion」: This study suggests that community-based exercise programs improve not just physical function, but the daily functional capacity of older persons of lower fitness level.