Effects of exercise intervention on the functional fitness of community elderly

Asia University, Office of Physical Education, 41354 Taichung City, Taiwan

^a Corresponding author: vivian@asia.edu.tw

Abstract

This study aims to discuss the effects of the 12-week exercise intervention on the functional fitness of community elderly. Total 25 community elderly aged above 65 are proceeded functional fitness tests. The data are analyzed with Descriptive Statistics. The results show that the male elderly significantly enhance the upper limb strength (musculus biceps brachii left arm curling, musculus biceps brachii right arm curling), static balance (open-eye single leg standing), and agility and dynamic balance (chair stand detour) and the female elderly make remarkable progress on the upper limb strength (musculus biceps brachii left arm curling, musculus biceps brachii right arm curling), cardiorespiratory endurance (high knees in place), static balance (open-eye single leg standing), and agility and dynamic balance (chair stand detour) after the 12-week regular exercise intervention. With functional fitness tests, the research findings reveal that regular exercise presents the effectiveness on distinct physical fitness of community elderly, while the aerobic endurance and upper/lower body flexibility still require improvement. Apparently, it is suggested to practice courses with stages and match fitness test results to adjust types of exercise and exercise intensity in order to achieve the effect.