- 著者
- Kazumi Izutsu Kazuhiko Arima Yasuyo Abe Takuhiro Okabe Yoshihito Tomita Satoshi Mizukami Mitsuo Kanagae Takayuki Nishimura Kiyoshi Aoyagi
- 出版者
- The Society of Physical Therapy Science
- 雑誌
- Journal of Physical Therapy Science (ISSN:09155287)
- 巻号頁・発行日
- vol.29, no.12, pp.2126-2132, 2017 (Released:2017-12-07)
- 参考文献数
- 27
- 被引用文献数
- 3 6
[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the sustainability and efficacy of exercise intervention, as implemented by professionally trained volunteers, on the health-related quality of life among Japanese community-dwelling older females. [Subjects and Methods] We conducted a non-randomized observational prospective study of a six-month exercise intervention delivered by volunteers or health professionals. Health-related quality of life was scored using the Short Form 36 Health Survey before and after the intervention. Participants were classified into three groups, comprising those with improved health, maintained health, and reduced health. [Results] Among 127 Japanese community-dwelling females aged >65 years, 50 of 62 (80.6%) females involved in the intervention conducted by volunteers, and 55 of 65 (84.6%) females involved in the intervention conducted by health professionals, completed the six-month intervention program. Scoring revealed that interventions by both volunteers and health professionals had a maintaining or improving effect on scores in >70% of participants instead of an expected six-month aging decline. [Conclusion] Exercise intervention by trained volunteers was sustainable and effective for improving the health-related quality of life among Japanese community-dwelling older females. Professionally trained volunteers could benefit communities in helping older persons avoid the need for daily nursing care through promoting health activities.