Changes in the physical functions of pre-frail elderly women after participation in a 1-year preventative exercise program.

AIM: The present study clarifies the effects of participation in a preventative health classroom program (exercise program) for 1 year on the physical functions of pre-frail elderly individuals in comparison with healthy elderly individuals.
METHODS: Participants in the study included 28 elderly pre-frail female participants and 28 elderly healthy female participants. Participants engaged in the exercise program for 1 year. There was no significant age or physical differences between both groups. Before and after the exercise program, the following physical function tests were carried out: grip strength, one-legged balance with eyes open, 5-m walking time and a timed up & go (TUG).
RESULTS: The pre-frail elderly group tested significantly lower in the one-legged balance with eyes open test and the TUG test compared with the healthy elderly group. The 5-m walking time test improved significantly in both groups, but the TUG improved only in the pre-frail elderly group. Conversely, the grip strength and one-legged balance with eyes open tests remained unchanged.
CONCLUSION: Improvements in the TUG and 5-m walking time tests were found in the pre-frail elderly group after the 1-year exercise program. Their results in the TUG test might be greater than those among the healthy elderly individuals.