RISS 검색 - 국내학술지논문 상세보기

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다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Purpose: Physical activity has been identified as a protective factor against cognitive impairment and dementia. Regular resistance exercise is effective for increasing brain metabolism, which increases the secretion of neuronal transmitters and cerebral blood flow; in turn, these enhance muscle flexibility and balance ability, reducing the risk of falls. Dementia patient is an acquired neurologic disease that produces many difficulties in social and daily life owing to multiple cognitive impairments. Therefore, the present study analyzed the effects of an exercise program aiming to improve muscle functions in dementia patients. Method: Elderly patients with mild dementia were randomly assigned to an elastic band resistance exercise group. The experimental group performed upper and lower extremity exercises three times per week for five months. Physical fitness was measured according to flexibility (sit & reach on a chair, Hold hands in the back), muscle strength (grip and lifting dumbbell), muscle endurance (chair leg squat), static balance (one-leg stance), dynamic balance (timed up-and-go test, 2-minute walking test), and gait ability before and after exercise. Result: Static balance ability in which the participant stood on one foot with eyes open (left and right) increased significantly, but the dynamic balancing ability in the timed up-and-go test did not improve significantly. Also, Muscle function ability in which the participant grip & lift dumbbell increased significantly, but the flexibility ability in the sit & reach on a chair test did not improve significantly. Cardiorespiratory function and gait speed improved significantly. Conclusion The five-month elastic band resistance exercise program improved muscle strength and endurance, cardiovascular function, and gait speed. Therefore, it may be an effective rehabilitation program for dementia patients.