This study evaluated the effects of leg training to improve the load-bearing capacity, easily practicable using a commercially available resistance-training machine, on physical functions of the frail elderly. Twenty-nine elderly people who successfully continued 15-minute daily training three times weekly for 12 weeks (intervention group) were compared regarding their physical functions (lower limb loading force, grip strength, walking speed, muscular strength of the quadriceps femoris, Timed up & go test (TUG), and the frequency of standing up) with 28 who did not practice any specific exercise (control group). The results showed no significant differences between the groups in grip strength, TUG, and the frequency of standing up. However, in the elderly in the intervention group, the lower limb loading force (p<0.01), muscular strength of the quadriceps femoris (p<0.01), and walking speed (p<0.01) significantly increased after the training, with the former two significantly higher than those in the control group. The elderly in the control group, on the other hand, showed no significant changes in any items measured before and after the training. These findings suggest that leg training to improve the load-bearing capacity effectively promotes the muscle strength as well as ambulatory ability of the frail elderly.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.31/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE