A Novel Mat Exercise Program Improves Functional Fitness, Activity Levels, and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Overview

In this study, investigators recruited older adults aged 60 to 80 years and utilized a parallel experimental design. A total of 32 participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The intervention consisted of a 70-min-long exercise game-based mat training session conducted twice weekly for 10 consecutive weeks. Each session included a 10-min warm-up, approximately 45 min of primary training, and a 15-min cool-down and stretching routine. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL, Taiwanese Version) before and after the intervention. Additionally, the functional fitness assessment were conducted.

The mat-based exercise facility (Stampede, Taipei, Taiwan) assists participants in exercise training by incorporating interactive light and sound effects to guide users through various exercises while progressively increasing intensity. The training program is divided into two phases: the first phase focuses on fundamental movements, whereas the second phase introduces more advanced exercises. With progress, additional exercise equipment is incorporated, along with increased sets, duration, movement variations, and training intensity. Training sessions can be conducted in a simple, progressive manner or a game-competitive format. Throughout the training, participants wore a heart rate monitor (ALATHEC Obeat1, Taichung, Taiwan) that recorded their exercise intensity and heart rate fluctuations. However, the exercise intensity and frequency were adjusted based on participants' adaptation. This study encompassed five different lighting modes, namely all light on, circle on, four corners, two lines, and diamond. Each mode was paired with different training protocols and movement patterns, supplemented by training equipment, such as medicine balls, resistance bands, and balance pads.