Investigation on the effectiveness of using resistance band for physical improvement on healthy aging population

• Main Author: Toh, Wee Hong
• Other Authors: Yeo Swee Hock
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/64081
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

With growing health awareness as Singapore advances as a society, the Singapore government is leading various efforts with other supporting bodies to encourage the elderly to be more active so that they can lead a healthy lifestyle amidst concerns for safety as well as time and financial constraints. However, being physically active can mitigate the gradual loss of muscle tissues and reduce age related illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of using inexpensive resistance bands for 30-minute workouts throughout six weeks on physical improvement in healthy elderly aged between 50 to 70 years old. Physical improvement is defined as the improvement in ability to handle daily tasks. Five participants volunteered to take part in this study, of which three were male and two were female. The participants were subjected to a fitness test before and after the six-week program to determine whether any physical improvement had taken place. The resistance training program consisted of two days of resistance training with the resistance band and one day of static stretching exercises per week. Repetitions and rest time intervals were the two variables in the training program. Results revealed that the male participants have improved a mean of 5.7% in the 5 kilograms (kg) bicep curl, 13.6% in sit up and 20.8% in chair stand. The female participants improved a mean of 40% percent in 5kg bicep curl, 17.2% in sit up and 26.7% in chair stand. This shows that a 6-week exercise period with a resistance band can lead to physical improvement in the elderly. More studies regarding the resistance band will have to be conducted in the future to further strengthen the accuracy of results in this study.