地域在住高齢者におけるリズムシンクロエクササイズの心理効果

特に楽しさに着目して

抄録

BACKGROUND：Multimodal exercise programs are often used to improve the cognitive, physical, and psychological functions of the elderly, and it is believed that the effects of these programs are sustained by continued use. Although it is said that an element of fun is necessary for a person to continue exercising, there are very few reports that have examined the effects of such programs. OBJECTIVE：The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of Rhythm Synchro Exercise, a multimodal aquatic exercise program, on psychology and especially on enjoyment. METHODS：A comparative study was conducted between 20 elderly subjects who participated in a Rhythm Synchro Exercise class for once a week, 60 minutes, 12 times in total and 17 elderly subjects who participated in a land-based exercise class for once a week, 90 minutes, 12 times in total. Subject demographics and exercise status were obtained by the interview, and questionnaires were administered before and after classes to assess exercise self-efficacy and subjective health perception. In addition, the degree of enjoyment of each program was evaluated in the middle of the classes （20 subjects for rhythm exercise, 15 subjects for land-based exercise） and at the end of the classes （20 subjects for rhythm exercise, 17 subjects for land-based exercise）. RESULTS：In both groups, there was a main effect of time on subjective health feeling. The Rhythm Synchro Exercise group showed a tendency to maintain and improve their exercise self-efficacy in bad weather. It was also found that its members were able to be more enthusiastic about the program compared with the land-based exercise group, and it was recognized that the program could provide enjoyment. CONCLUSION：It was suggested that the provision of Rhythm Synchro Exercise could provide enjoyment, which is one of the factors necessary for improving psychological function and especially for continuing exercise, and can be expected to be effective as a new aquatic exercise.