Elastic Band Resistance Training on Physical Fitness and Risk of Falls in Elderly.

Effects of Elastic Band Resistance Training on Physical Fitness and Risk of Falls in Old Adults With Hospitalized and High Fall Risk.

A lack of studies has applied elastic band resistance training exercises on hospitalized elderly, so the effect of elastic band resistance training exercises on physical fitness and risk of falls was unclear. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of elastic band resistance training on improving physical fitness and reducing the risk of falls in hospitalized elderly with high risk of falls. This study is an experimental study. The experimental group was given 3 times a week for 2 consecutive weeks of elastic band resistance training, while the control group was given regular rehabilitation exercises. The differences in physical fitness and fall risk between the two groups were examined.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Elders are over 65 years old and admitted to this medical ward due to acute/chronic disease
2. Elders have no physical impairment
3. Elders have a clear cognition, can follow movement commands in Chinese or Taiwanese
4. Elders have greater than 4 points in lower extremity muscle strength measured by the Manual Muscle Power Test
5. Elders have greater than 45 points in the Morse Fall Scale, which indicate a high risk of falling

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unclear consciousness
2. Unable to follow the execution of elastic band resistance training
3. With restricted activities, musculoskeletal disorders, or nerve diseases
4. Unsuitable athletic trainers