Study Objectives Sarcopenia is a progressive condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass and decline in muscle function. The prevalence of sarcopenia in the elderly population aged over 65 years in Taiwan exceeds 20%. Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for impaired daily functioning, falls, and increased mortality among older adults. Previous studies have demonstrated that resistance or aerobic exercise can improve muscle strength and functionality in the elderly. However, due to manpower constraints, such exercise programs are challenging to implement long-term in rural care facilities. Therefore, a simple and safe resistance training model that minimizes the risk of exercise-related injuries in older populations is needed.
Previous research has shown that progressive resistance training using elastic bands can effectively enhance muscle strength in older adults under safe conditions while reducing the risk of bone and joint injuries associated with traditional resistance training. However, the efficacy of elastic band training in delaying the progression of sarcopenia and determining the optimal exercise prescription for the elderly remain contentious.
This study aims to implement progressive resistance training using elastic bands for the upper and lower limbs of older adults in long-term care facilities to achieve the following expected outcomes:
Demonstrate that progressive resistance training using elastic bands can provide clinical benefits in treating and delaying sarcopenia with minimal rehabilitation personnel, while minimizing the risk of exercise-related injuries.
Apply the findings to rural daycare centers and other facilities with limited manpower resources, aligning with the goals of Taiwan's current Long-Term Care 2.0 program.
Study Methods This study will be conducted in long-term care facilities affiliated with or contracted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare Qishan Hospital, including nursing homes and daycare centers. Older adults with sufficient cognitive function to participate in rehabilitation exercises will undergo a 12-week intervention of progressive resistance training using elastic bands, performed twice per week. The training will target major muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs and incorporate proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques. Each session will last 30 minutes.
The differences in primary and secondary outcomes will be compared before and after the intervention.
Primary outcomes include diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia: appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, dominant hand grip strength, walking speed, and SARC-F questionnaire scores.
Secondary outcomes include maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the dominant hand, muscle thickness assessed via ultrasound, functional activities of the dominant upper limb, calf circumference, and quality of life indicators.
