Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to clarify the effects of early morning Radio-Taiso exercises on the physical, mental, and social aspects of community-dwelling older adults.
Methods: We included 84 community-dwelling older people who performed early morning Radio-Taiso exercises (exercises group) and participated in both baseline and follow-up after 1 year. The control group consisted of 84 age-, sex-, and 5 meter(m) comfortable walking time-matched community-dwelling older people by propensity score matching who participated in another survey both baseline and follow-up after 1 year in the same city. We measured 5 m maximum and comfortable walking time, grip strength, WHO-5 mental health scale (WHO 5) and the shortened version of the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS6).
Using repeated measurements of general linear models, we analyzed the 5 m maximum and comfortable walking time, TUG, grip strength, knee extension muscle strength, WHO5 score, and LSNS6 score as dependent variables. Measurement time (baseline and follow-up) and groups (early morning exercises group, control group) were analyzed as independent variables, and age, sex, and measurement values of each item at baseline were analyzed as adjustment variables.
Results: The interaction between the measurement time and group was confirmed in the 5 m comfortable walking time (p = 0.01), maximum walking time of 5 m (p < 0.01), TUG (p= 0.01),and LSNS6 score of related items about friends (p = 0.01).
Conclusions: This study revealed that participation in early morning exercise was effective in maintaining mobility and increasing social support in friendships.
