Effects of assessment-oriented group action supported by a health professional on the physical function in community-dwelling older adults: a feasibility study

ABSTRACT

Background

Assessment-oriented group action (AGA) could be used to empower community-dwelling older adults to maintain their health by groups. AGA can be implemented with the support of a health professional to provide feedback to older adults on physical and cognitive function.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of AGA.

Methods

For this feasibility study, we enrolled 23 and 20 participants in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Thοse in the intervention group received feedback of their assessments and devised exercise plans with professional support. The participants performed their exercises over 12 weeks; the follow-up examination was conducted at 40 weeks. The control group only received feedback. The change in health-related consciousness and behavior was evaluated. Muscle strength and mass were measured and the timed up and go test, and the Brief-balance evaluation system test (BESTest) were performed.

Results

There were no significant differences in consciousness or behavior between the groups. The score was higher in the intervention than in the control group at 40 weeks in Section-I of the Brief-BESTest, indicating that the muscle strength contributed to balance function.

Conclusion

AGA did not show positive changes in consciousness or behaviors but demonstrated significant improvements and lasting effects in balance function.

KEYWORDS:

• Older adults
• group
• physical function
• balance
• feasibility study

Acknowledgments

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Chieko Mesaki, Ryo Yoshizaki, Shizuko Nakajima. This study was supported and funded by the Gunma Health Foundation H29 Asawo Prize (Grant Number 60).

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the the Gunma Health Foundation H29 Asawo prize [60].