The purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of exercise on the improvement of the physical functions of the elderly. Ten males and thirty-four females, 44 in total, living in or visiting health care facilities and special nursing homes for the elderly who were able to either walk independently or with walking aids were randomly divided into a treatment intervention group (TIG) and a control group (CG). The average age of the TIG was 84.4 +/- 5.6 years old, and that of the CG was 85.6 +/- 4.8 years old respectively. The training exercises of the TIG were standing up from a chair grasping parallel bars and raising arms with pet bottles 2 or 3 times a week for 6 months. In the TIG, increased mean values of each estimation parameter were recognized: muscle strength of upper and lower limbs, grip strength, thigh circumference, standing up, the movement of raising arms, walking time and number of steps for 10 m, Functional Reach Test and Timed up and Go Test. Moreover, significant differences between the TIG and the CG were found in each evaluation item (p < 0.05). This study suggests that the continuation of light-load exercise is effective and imperative for the elderly to keep and improve their physical functions.

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