DEVELOPMENT OF SMART 1RM MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR IMPROVEMENT OF SKELETAL MUSCLE FUNCTION OF THE ELDERLY

In this study, we aimed to provide safe exercises with automatic service for easy access to active seniors, develop Smart One Repetition Maximum (1RM) measurement system applying electronic load that can reduce injuries, and optimize exercise effects by accurately evaluating physical functions and exercise effects. In this study, a smart, customized exercise and 1RM measurement system was developed to improve and maintain the daily living ability of healthy older adults. This system applies a power brake to provide a safe and detailed exercise load for older adults and consists of six types of exercises, including leg extension, leg press, long pull, in and out thigh, abdominal, and chest press exercises. The subjects of this study were 30 adults aged 65 years or older who had no history of musculoskeletal or nervous system disorders in the past 6 months and who attended an elderly fitness center in Gwangju city. Whole-body aerobic exercise was performed using a sedentary bicycle for 20 min before exercise. Exercise load was performed by converting the weight of 30RM based on the 1RM measured before evaluation. The exercises were chest press, long pull, abdominal flexion, hip adduction, leg extension, and leg press. All the exercises were performed 30 times in a set, three sets a day, 3–5 times a week, with 5 min of rest between workouts. As a result of the experiment, the maximum muscle strength for all exercise modes increased significantly ( p < 0 . 0 5 ), and a safe muscle strength enhancement effect for the elderly was observed. These results suggest that the smart, customized exercise system developed in this study can positively result in a safe increase in the muscle strength of the elderly.