OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to investigate that toe-grasp exercise affected the frontal lobe functions. SUBJECTS: 22 community-based elderly people participated in this study. The subjects were randomized to either an intervention or a control group. METHOD: The intervention included toe-grasp exercise such as gathering a towel and passing the bean from one place to another. Intervention group carried on toe grasp exercise four or more times a week for six weeks. All subjects were assessed at baseline, after six weeks and after twelve weeks with Frontal assessment battery (FAB), toe-grasp strength, plantar's sensation, Functional reach, reaction time and HDS-R. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between baseline and after twelve weeks comparing results at FAB and Functional reach. Statistically significant differences were found both between two groups and within an intervention group comparing results at toe-grasp strength and reaction time. Results of HDS-R at an intervention group differed significantly between baseline and after six weeks. No difference between the groups was found in plantar's sensation. CONCLUSIONS: It was suggested that toe-grasp exercise affected frontal lobe functions. This study provides evidence of the benefit of toe-grasp exercise in the activation of frontal lobe functions.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.27/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE