The effect of an exercise program for managing and delaying the onset of Sarcopenia among the elderly in Lopburi Welfare State Home for the Elderly.

Abstract

Abstract

           Regular physical exercise in the elderly is essential to improve balance, which can reduce falls in older adults, especially those suffering from Sarcopenia. Objectives of this research: 1.) To compare the ability to balance as measured by the Single leg stance test with eye open and the Functional reach test, the strength of the leg muscles as measured by the 30-second chair stand test of the subjects both before and after the experimental exercise program. 2.) To study the effects of an exercise program with outdoor exercise equipment in the exercise yard and a mobile exercise machine invented by the researcher for the elderly with Sarcopenia called "Ban Mai Ru Roi Exercise Machine." In this study, the subjects were 20 elderly aged 60-75 who live in Lopburi Welfare State Home for the Elderly, Muang District, Lopburi Province. Divided into groups of 10 people by the sample group exercising with the Ban Mai Ru Roi Exercise Machine and the control group exercising with outdoor exercise equipment. They were assessed for their balance ability by Single leg stance test with eyes open, Functional reach test, and the strength of the leg muscles with a 30-second chair stand test before the start and after the end of the exercise program, 45 minutes each time, 3 times a week for4 consecutive weeks. The samples were divided into 2 groups. The results of the study showed that 1.) The subjects exercising with outdoor exercise equipment could balance and strengthen their leg muscles increased after the exercise program. 2.) The subjects exercising with Ban Mai Ru Roi Exercise Machine could balance and strengthen the leg muscles increased after the trial period of the exercise program and 3.) The sample group exercising with outdoor exercise equipment and the sample group exercising with Ban Mai Ru Roi Exercise Machine showed no significant difference in the increase in balance and leg muscle strength after the trial period of the exercise program. Community health service organizations can utilize the findings to promote physical activity and delay the incidence of Sarcopenia among the elderly in the community.