Effect of combined locomotor training and aerobic exercise on increasing handgrip strength in elderly with locomotive syndrome: A randomised controlled trial.

Background: Elderly with the locomotive syndrome is at high risk for fall and fractures. Thus multimodal therapy is needed to minimize the risk. Objective: Analyzing the effect of combined locomotor training and aerobic exercise on muscle strength in elderly with locomotive syndrome stage 1. Methods: This study used a pre-test and post-test design with 20 participants (treatment group = 10 participants and control group = 10 participants). The treatment group was given combined locomotor training and aerobic exercise, while the control group was only given aerobic exercise for eight weeks. Locomotor training was provided three times/week with progressive increase of set and repetition at each activity. Meanwhile, aerobic exercise was given seven times/week for 30 min per session. Participants were examined for muscle strength (handgrip strength) before and after the intervention. The analysis included paired t-test and an independent t-test with a p-value <0.05. Results: The participants' mean age was 73.85 ± 4.75 years, with treatment group = 75.4 ± 4.88 years and control group = 72.3 ± 4.30 years (t = 1.508; 95% CI = -1.220 - 7420; p = 0.149). The HGS values in the treatment group were 13.89 ± 5.27 (pre-test) and 19.06 ± 4.54 (post-test; t = 11.765; 95% CI = -6.164 to -4.176; p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the HGS values in the control group at pre-test and post-test were 11.27 ± 2.17 and 13.03 ± 2.54, respectively (t = 2.057; 95% CI = -1.600 - 0.076; p = 0.070). The ΔHGS values of treatment and control group were 5.17 ± 1.39 and 1.76 ± 2.07, respectively (t = 4.329; 95% CI = 1.755-5.065; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Combined locomotor training and aerobic exercise have increased muscle strength, as proven by increased handgrip strength.

Effects of Otago Exercise Program on serum Interleukin-6 level in older women.

Background: Otago Exercise Program (OEP) has been demonstrated to minimize the risk of falling in older adults by improving muscular strength and balance. Meanwhile, reduced IL-6 level serves as a biomarker of regular physical activity. Objective: Analyzing OEP effect on decreased IL-6 level in elderly women. Methods: This study used a randomized control trial design from October 2020 to May 2021. 26 participants were divided into a treatment group (13 participants) and a control group (13 participants). The treatment group received OEP for 8 weeks, in which the OEP was carried out 3 times during the first week. On the other hand, the control group did not get intervention. The IL-6 level was measured 2 times, before and after OEP. The measurement results were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test, which were declared significant if p < 0.05. Results: The participants' average IL-6 level at pretest and posttest was 4.77 ± 1.71 pg/mL and 4.57 ± 1.74 pg/mL, respectively. The IL-16 level of the treatment group at pretest and posttest was 4.22 ± 1.72 pg/mL and 3.97 ± 1.67 pg/mL, respectively (t = 1.058; 95% CI = -0.770 - 0.267; p = 0.311). Meanwhile, the IL-6 level of the control group at pretest and posttest was 5.30 ± 1.59 pg/mL and 5.16 ± 1.65 pg/mL, respectively (t = 0.382; 95% CI = -0.969 - 0.680; p = 0.709). The ΔIL-6 level in the treatment and control group was -0.25 ± 0.85 pg/mL and -0.14 ± 1.36 pg/mL, respectively (t = 0.240; 95% CI = -1.030 - 0.815; p = 0.813). Conclusion: The OEP didn't lower serum IL-6 levels after eight weeks.