TY - JOUR PY - 2018// TI - Feasibility and effectiveness of home-based exercise programs on physical performance and health-related quality of life of the older people dwelling on an isolated, doctor-less island JO - Geriatrics and gerontology international A1 - Akihiro, Shintaro A1 - Taira, Yaeko A1 - Maeda, Keita A1 - Natsume, Keisuke A1 - Sakakima, Harutoshi SP - 1313 EP - 1317 VL - 18 IS - 9 N2 - AIM: To promote preventive care among older individuals dwelling on an isolated, doctor-less island, we investigated the feasibility and the efficacy of a home-based exercise program, depending on their functional status and health-related quality of life.

METHODS: A total of 23 older (mean age 72.6 years) participants were assigned to a home-based exercise program (intervention group), and 34 older (mean age 74.2 years) participants were assigned to a group without any intervention (control group). The participants of the intervention group attended the exercise program three times a week for 3 months. The exercise program consisted of various exercises involving stretching, muscle strengthening, balance retraining and walking. The physical performance, Functional Independence Measure and Short-Form 36-item health survey were used to assess the physical and the mental wellbeing of the participants.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the changes in physical performance at baseline and post 3 months in both groups. However, the motor and the cognitive Functional Independence Measure scores significantly improved in the intervention group post 3 months. The domains of the Short-Form 36-item health survey improved post 3 months; particularly, significant improvement was observed in the physical functions, general health, vitality, mental health and mental component summary.

CONCLUSIONS: Although an isolated island has several problems to support preventive care services, such as a lack of medical resources and availability of only a few healthcare workers, the present study provides evidence on the feasibility and efficacy of nurse-led home-based exercise programs for improving the physical and mental health of the older people dwelling on an isolated, doctor-less island. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; ••: ••-••.

© 2018 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1444-1586 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ggi.13459 ID - ref1 ER -