Author(s): CHEN, T.I.1, HUANG, S.F.1, HUANG, K.C.2, Institution: TZU CHI UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 444

INTRODUCTION:
Physical activity is pivotal in slowing ageing and averting physiological disabilities. The burgeoning elderly population necessitates cultivating numerous professional exercise instructors to guide the older individuals who stay home for increasing physical activity. This study aims to train certified middle-aged and elderly exercise instructors to discern early signs of declining life function in elderly individuals and to formulate targeted preventive exercise prescriptions to mitigate the onset of disabilities proactively.
METHODS:
The study engaged individuals aged 55 and above in a comprehensive 48-hour exercise instructor training program. Following certification, instructors applied their skills in their respective work areas, employing Life Function assessments to pinpoint potential frailty in older individuals. They categorized the subjects into two distinct groups: normal and frail. A strategic screening process featuring the Otassha 21-item questionnaire identified high-risk groups: physical weakness (PW), urinary incontinence (UI), falls and broken bones (FB), poor nutrition (PN), and dementia (DM). Subsequently, considering participant preferences, the PW, UI, FB, PN, and DM groups underwent further segmentation into four subgroups: normal control, normal training, frail control, and frail training, respectively. Each group received customized exercise guidance for 8 to 20 weeks (5 to 7 days/week, 30-40 minutes/day) respectively. The instructors then conducted sessions in the homes of older individuals once a week.
RESULTS:
This study trained 320 qualified instructors (65.45±5.91 years old) across Taiwan. In the initial phase, 97 participants (13 males, 84 females, 77.57±7.31 years old) were enrolled. Encompassing Otassha 21-item questionnaire screening, 29 individuals were categorized as high-risk for UI, and another 29 were flagged for an elevated risk of FB. In the UI subjects, the frail elderly individuals who underwent 8 weeks of home-based exercise training exhibited notable improvements, including increased grip strength, arm curl and chair stand test (p < 0.05). In the FB subjects, after 20 weeks of in-home guiding exercise, the frail training group demonstrated significant improvements across various physical parameters, including grip strength, arm curl, chair stand, step-in-place, 8-foot up and go, chair sit and reach, and one-legged standing with eyes open test (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
This study suggests that, in the coming aged and super-aged society, it might be an effective strategy to recruit middle-older aged adults and train them as instructors. Using the questionnaires, they can effectively identify the early frailty of older people. The specific home-based exercise prescriptions and in-home guidance enhance physical activity capabilities in frail individuals. It can resolve the concerns about a shortage of instructors and potentially prevent disability in elderly individuals.