Effects of exercise using a modified elastic band with a coconut shell on muscle strength and balance in community-dwelling older adults.

Abstract

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of exercise using a modified elastic band with a coconut shell on leg muscle strength and balance in older adults. [Participants and Methods] The study consisted of 30 participants aged 60 years and older. The participants were randomly assigned to either the exercise (n=15) or control groups (n=15). The exercise group used a modified elastic band with a coconut shell three days a week for four weeks. Both groups received a single educational session on fall prevention after a baseline assessment. The Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) were used to assess balance, respectively. The 30-second chair stand test (30CST) was also used to measure leg strength. All outcome parameters were measured at the beginning of the study, immediately after a single exercise session, and after four weeks of exercise. [Results] The FRT and 30CST significantly increased in the exercise group after four weeks of exercise. The TUG significantly decreased in the exercise group after completing the program. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that exercise using a modified elastic band with a coconut shell could effectively improve leg muscle strength and balance in older adults.