It is still unclear whether the effects of lower-limb aerobic exercise (Kohzuki Exercise Program; KEP) are effective in improving physical function as an exercise program for frail older adults. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the 6-month structured KEP on physical function in frail older adults. The KEP group participants engaged in a total of 72 sessions, 3 times a week for 6 months. The KEP consisted of 5 minutes of warm-up and stretching, 30 minutes of lower-limb aerobic exercise, and 5 minutes of cool-down and relaxation. The control group (CON group) participants were asked to maintain their normal behavior over the same 6-month period. Physical function as an outcome was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). A total of 23 participants (KEP group: n=12; CON group: n=11) who participated in this study. The analysis of outcomes was performed by Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed rank post-hoc test with Bonferroni correction for the comparison between the time; baseline, 3 months and 6 months. There was a significant changed in physical function over the baseline, 3 and 6-month in the KEP group for SPPB total score (p‹0.01), balance time (p‹0.05), gait speed time (p‹0.01), and chair stand time (p‹0.01) at 6-month. In summary, the 6-month KEP intervention targeting physical function is an effective, long-term, and sustainable program for frail older adults.
