The declining physical condition of frail elderly is becoming an ugent problem. Although the exercise intensity of Wu Qin Xi appears to be low, it is highly effective in the older individuals. Inspired by the characteristics and functions of Wu Qin Xi, we designed a brand new exercise intervention training program among frail older people, which incorporates Wu Qin Xi, strength exercises and endurance exercises to improve physical fitness, and even reverse the condition of frailty. Furthermore, to improve utility in clinical practice, we innovatively employed machine learning simulations to infer the condition of older adults and predict their level of frailty after the intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
181
The training schedule for Wu Qin Xi consisted of two phases: the first phase lasted for eight weeks, while the second phase lasted for 16 weeks. In the first phase, Wu Qin Xi group was given twice repetitions of the intervention. The second phase consisted of three repetitions of the Wu Qin Xi group. Participants warmed up for 20 min prior to the intervention and cooled down for 10 min at the end.
During the first 8 weeks, the training consists of learning and consolidating the movements of the Wu Qin Xi. In the second 16 weeks, participants perform a full set of movement exercises. Each resistance training session contained two lower-body exercises (seated calf raises and hip abduction) and three upper-body exercises (lateral pull downs, biceps curls, and triceps push downs) and two sets for each exercise. Endurance training is performed by continuous walking on an undisturbed indoor track for 15 min. Participants warmed up for 20 min prior to the intervention and cooled down for 10 min at the end.
Each resistance training session contained two lower-body exercises (seated calf raises and hip abduction) and three upper-body exercises (lateral pull downs, biceps curls, and triceps push downs) and three sets for each exercise. Endurance training is performed by continuous walking on an undisturbed indoor track for 30 min. Participants warmed up for 20 min prior to the intervention and cooled down for 10 min at the end.
Chinese Center of Exercise Epidemiology
Changchun, Jilin, China
Assessing the endurance of frail older adults using the six-minute walk test
Assessment of endurance in frail older adults before and after intervention using the six-minute walk test
Time frame: Month 6
Assessing the speed of frail older adults using the ten-meter maximum walk speed
Assessment of speed in frail older adults before and after intervention using ten-meter maximum walk speed.
Time frame: Month 6
Using handgrip strength tests to assess strength in frail older adults.
Using handgrip strength tests to assess strength in frail older adults before and after intervention
Time frame: Month 6
Assessment of balance in frail older adults using Time Up and Go Test.
Assessment of balance in frail older adults before and after intervention using Time Up and Go Test.
Time frame: Month 6
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