Comparison of the Daily Fitness Test in Nursing Home Residents and Community-Dwelling Residents Elderly Women

Abstract

PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to compare the daily fitness tests of nursing home residents and community-dwelling elderly women after 16 weeks program.METHODS:Thirty elderly women living in a nursing home (n=14) or community (n=16) participated in the study. The program was assigned 1 hour twice a week for 16 weeks to improve the physical activity for the elderly women. The daily fitness test assessed the physical fitness levels for elderly. The tests performed the 2-min step test, chair stand test, arm curl test, chair sit and reach test, backscratch test, 244-cm up and go test.RESULTS:A result of the study show that the daily physical fitness of the elderly women living in the community is higher than those living in nursing homes. After the program which induced physical activity, 2-min step test (<i>p</i><.05) and 244-cm up and go test (<i>p</i><.05) were much improved in the elderly living in nursing homes.CONCLUSIONS:Although the daily fitness of nursing home residents was lower than community-dwelling residents, there was a significant improvement after exercise program.