The Effects of a Home-based Multicomponent Lower Extremity Training Technique and Self-Efficacy for Exercise on Physical Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K21217
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: 鄭 勲九 広島大学, 人間社会科学研究科(総), 研究員 (30831060)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-30 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: exercise / home / self-practice / self-efficacy

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults have reported physical inactivity. For example, they did not participate in a community activities program in their regions because they would fear being exposed to COVID-19. Therefore, the first purpose of this study is to develop a home-based multicomponent lower extremity training (MLT) technique to improve the frequency of self-practice without a trainer, including non-participation in an offline fitness classes at community centers. The second of this study is to evaluate the home-based MLT technique’s effects on flexibility, muscle strength, and physical performance in older adults.
These work outcomes can help achieve the new intervention study without contact experts in the training period on older adults.
Until now, I have filmed exercises of the MLT technique that would be used for older adults (participants of this study) to perform in their home.

Current Status of Research Progress

3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.

Reason

This study has been approved by the Ethics Review Board of Hiroshima University.
In addition, the intervention protocol for study 1(the first purpose) was designed, and participants for study 1 intervention have been recruited. Subsequently, study 1 will be started soon.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

In Study 1, participants will be asked to evaluate self-efficacy about performing the exercises of MLT techniques for three months. The results of study 1 will be analyzed to select exercises with high self-efficacy. Study 2 will be performed to evaluate the effect of the exercises having high self-efficacy, with older adults participating for three months.

Causes of Carryover

I had not participated in international conferences because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, the travel expenses remain. In addition, full recruitment of participants was not conducted last year.
I plan to buy a computer that can create and edit videos of exercises needed for participants to perform exercises in their homes. The budget will be used for costs to pay for the evaluators who measure participants’ physical functions.