Introduction: In Japan, women account for 66% of those requiring nursing care, mainly due to bone weakening such as bone fractures and joint diseases, and dementia (MHLW, 2021). Exercise trainings in elderly people increase bone density and improve cognitive function, contributing preventions in these diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to verify the effects of "Hiroshima GENKI Exercise," which can be performed by elderly people while sitting in a chair, on bone density and cognitive function in elderly people.
Methods: 49 Japanese elderly females (age: 74.5 ± 11.9 yeas) were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups. The intervention group underwent the Hiroshima GENKI exercise for 60 min once a week over the course of 3-month. The Hiroshima GENKI exercise was designed to apply mechanical loads and vibration to the bones of the whole body. This training was performed through supervised sessions (group training). The Total Score, Delayed Recall, Working Memory, Judgement and Visuospatial Function were measured by using a Gazefinder that Eye Gaze Measurement Instrument, a well-established screening tool for cognitive function. The speed of sound (SOS) as a quantitative ultrasound parameter of bone was measured before and after the 3-month training.
Results: All cognitive function indicators and SOS did not differ between the groups at the before the 3-month training. After the training, the intervention grope significantly increased the Total Score of cognitive function and SOS of bone strength (p < .05). No significant changes in the cognitive functions of Delayed Recall, Working Memory, Judgement and Visuospatial Function were found in the intervention grope.
Discussion: The Hiroshima GENKI Exercise improved total cognitive scores and SOS. A previous study reported that implementation of the same exercises over a 4-month period in persons requiring nursing care showed significant increases in SOS and walking speed (yanaoka et al., 2020). In this study, the experiment was conducted on healthy elderly subjects, but future intervention studies on dementia patients and those requiring care are warranted.
Impact and application to the field: This research has a significant impact in the health field. Suggestions for safe and effective physical activity play a very important role in improving the health of the elderly. This research has the potential to solve the problems of disease in developed countries in terms of exercises that can strengthen bones and increase cognitive function while sitting in a chair.
Conflict of interest statement: My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of interest of relevance to the submission of this abstract.
