Effects of Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)-Based Home Exercise Programs on the Physical Function of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Objective This study aimed to examine the effects of a digital versatile disc (DVD)-based home exercise program comprising either a physical exercise-only task (single-task (ST)) or a cognitive and physical exercise task (dual-task: DT) on the physical functions of community-dwelling individuals. There are few reports on DVD-based ST and DT training for improving physical function at home. Further, we investigated the effects of ST and DT exercises on sustaining and improving physical function. Methodology Thirty-three participants were included in this study. Seventeen and 16 participants were allocated to the ST and DT training groups, respectively. The participants were instructed to engage as much as possible with each DVD exercise program at home for four months. To assess physical function, left and right grip strength, the timed-up-and-go (TUG) test, and the two-step test (Locomo) for locomotive syndrome were measured before and after the intervention. Results The two groups showed no significant differences in grip strength, TUG, or Locomo scores before and after the intervention. In the comparison between before and after the intervention within the groups, there was a significant difference in the TUG test results for the ST group (<i>P</i> = 0.03). However, there were no significant differences in the other measurements. In the DT group, no items showed significant differences before and after intervention. Conclusions The results suggest that an ST of physical exercise effectively improves physical function while engaging in DVD exercises at home and that a dual task may also sustain physical function.