Maintenance of Physical Functions in Elderly People by Self-Exercise

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of self-exercise at home on maintenance of physical function in elderly people. [Subjects] The subjects were 15 elderly people (68-91 years old). [Methods] Subjects individually received self-exercise guidance every other week and performed self-exercise for 2 months. Hand grip, knee extension force, one-legged standing time, functional reach length, flexibility of trunk flexion, 10 m gait speed and timed up and go were measured before and after self-exercise. [Results] Timed up and go showed a significant difference between before and after self-exercise. [Conclusions] The result of this study suggests that self-exercise maintained physical function in elderly people. When subjects recognize that exercise is necessary, their physical functions can be kept regardless of the place, but it is necessary to monitor the progress of self-exercise.