Enhancing Physical And Cognitive Function In The Elderly Through Combined Exercise: Preliminary Results Of Korean National Healthy Aging Project

Korea's rapidly aging population underscores the urgent need for programs that enhance the well-being of the elderly. Aging factors contribute to muscle atrophy and cognitive changes, leading to functional problems, injuries, and diseases. There is an ongoing debate regarding the beneficial exercises for the elderly, mostly for maintaining their functional abilities and physiological health. PURPOSE: Our preliminary results from the Healthy Aging Project, examining the impact of the cost-effective and accessible exercise programs on functional performance of older people and to determine the long-term maintenance of intervention through self-directed follow-up period. METHODS: Ninety healthy individuals aged ≥65 years were randomly assigned to the walking (WG), resistance exercise + walking (RWG), or control (CG) groups. WG were given instructions to adhere to their age-adjusted weekly step goals, as per national walking guidelines. RWG participated in a center-based resistance exercise with elastics band alongside the same walking regimen. In contrast, CG were just asked to maintain their usual level of physical activity. We employed smartwatches to monitor the weekly step counts and physiological data (e.g., heart rate, calories) of both exercise groups. The participants’ cognitive and physical function were assessed at pre, post (week 12), and follow-up (week 24). RESULTS: 79 participants (age 73.8 ± 4.9 yrs) completed the study. When comparing pre- and post-data, significant group-by-time interactions were found in the 5-time sit to stand test (P = .013). After adjusting for baseline and gender, combined exercise effects were observed in handgrip strength (P = .046), timed up & go (P = .018), and knee extensor strength (P = .042). WG only improved in the stroop (P = .024) and 5-time sit-to-stand (P = .036). Despite declining trend during follow-up, values remained higher than baseline, with significant pre vs. follow-up differences in knee extensor strength and the stroop tasks in RWG. CONCLUSION: Combined resistance and walking exercises yields lasting, comprehensive benefits, as demonstrated by the significant and sustained improvements in lower body function and upper body strength over the follow-up period. This underscores the value of accessible exercise programs for older adults. This research is supported by the Bio & Medical Technology Development Program of the National Research Foundation (NRF) funded by the Korean government (MSIT) (No. 2020M3A9D8038660).