This study investigated the effectiveness of an 8-week low-intensity resistance and aerobic training on lower extremity muscle function and ultrasound bone measurement in nursing home residents. Two men and 12 women, aged 69-97 years, participated in 60-min low intensity resistance and aerobic training program once or twice a week. Light resistance training consisted of two or three sets of 5-10 repetitions of following 6-8 seated leg exercises utilizing an elastic band and a tennis ball: hip extension, hip flexion, knee extension, knee flexion, ankle plantarflexion, ankle dorsiflexion, stepping exercise. Aerobic training was 20-min intermittent walking of a self-paced, rapid, zigzag and obstacle course. Each session included 10 min of warm-up and cool-down stretching exercise. Primary outcome measures were body composition, activities of daily living, ultrasound bone measurement, flexibility of the knee and ankle, reaction time, foot stepping and timed up and go test. Adherence and attendance of this program were 92.9% and 90.4%. After this training, flexibility of knee and ankle joint motion and ultrasound bone measurement was not changed. The resistance and aerobic training showed 16.4% increase in reaction time (p<0.05), 58.4% increase in foot stepping (p<0.05), and 17.4% decrease in timed up and go (p<0.01). These results suggest that an 8-week low-intensity resistance and aerobic training program is effective for improving agility and mobility for the nursing home residents. The program is revealed safe, practical and can be used in clinical setting.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.21/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE