Development and evaluation of a video exercise program for locomotive syndrome in the elderly

Abstract

Objectives. To develop and evaluate an exercise program that the elderly could sustainably perform in the community or at home to recover from locomotive syndrome.

Methods. We produced 2 types of teaching media, video and pamphlet, describing 10 physical and mobility training exercises. The pilot study examined changes in pulse rate, percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and the Borg scale rating of perceived exertion in 20 elderly volunteers. Separately, 120 elderly subjects were recruited and divided into 3 groups according to the teaching medium (video, group V; pamphlet, group P; none, group C). Before and 3 months after the intervention, visual analog scale (VAS) scores of low back and knee pain, single-leg standing time, 6-m walking time, Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, Short Form-8, and 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale were evaluated.

Results. Pulse-rate changes before and after exercise did not exceed 20 %, and SpO₂ changes were within 4 points in all cases. The Borg scale ranged between 11 and 14. The intergroup comparison revealed the advantage of the video program in improving the VAS of low back pain, left-leg standing time, and 6-m walking time.

Conclusion. A video exercise program can potentially aid recovery from locomotive syndrome in the elderly.

Keywords:

• DVD video
• Elderly
• Exercise program
• Locomotive syndrome
• Low back pain

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the consigned research fund of Wakayama Prefecture Nos. B-21006 and B-22014. The authors thank Dr. Hiroaki Terashita of Mikimachi Terashita Orthopaedic Clinic for his precise advice in planning this study and Mr. Yoshihisa Kitaoka and other members of the public office in Hashimoto City for their assistance in selecting locations and scheduling participants for examinations.

Conflict of interest

The video exercise program in this study was developed with technical cooperation from Wakayama Telecasting Corp (WTV). WTV developed a commercial DVD video containing this exercise program under the editorial supervision of M.Y. and H.H. However, none of the authors received any benefits from the company.