Flexi-Bar and Multi-Component Exercises
Condition: Older Adults
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Background: Previous studies have suggested that both Flexi-Bar and Multi-Component exercises
      can improve an individual's physical fitness and musculoskeletal discomfort. However,
      determining which is more effective in enhancing the frailty, physical fitness, and
      musculoskeletal discomfort of the elderly remains controversial.

      Objective: This study aims to investigate differences in the effectiveness of Flexi-Bar and
      Multi-Component exercises in improving the frailty, physical fitness, and musculoskeletal
      discomfort of the elderly after 12 weeks of intervention.

      Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted to collect data from a city
      in central Taiwan. Participants were randomly divided into a Flexi-Bar group (FB group) and a
      Multi-Component exercise group (MCE group). Participants in the FB group performed a
      60-minute Flexi-Bar exercise every week for 12 consecutive weeks. Meanwhile, Participants in
      the MCE group performed a 60-minute Multi-Component exercise every week for 12 consecutive
      weeks. Tests were conducted both before and after the 12-week intervention using items
      including the Kihon Checklist, Senior Fitness Test, and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.
    


Intervention name(s): Flexi-Bar Exercise; Multi-Component exercise
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): In the experimental group, the Flexi-Bar was adopted as the tool for active vibration exercises. Featuring light weight and ease of operation, it weighs only 460 grams and has a vibration frequency of 4-5 Hz. With diversified functions, the Flexi-Bar can improve posture, burn fat, strengthen connective tissue, enhance body shape, and increase muscle strength.
The 12-week Flexi-Bar exercise course in this study was created by two assistant professors specializing in rehabilitation (one with an occupational therapy certificate and the other with a physical therapy certificate). The course, composed of one 60-minute class per week for a total of 12 weeks, progressed gradually from basic activities (e.g., standing with both feet) to advanced activities (e.g., standing with one foot).; Alternatively, in the control group, the Multi-Component exercise was adopted, which included aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and balance exercises. The course was composed of one 60-minute class per week for a total of 12 weeks. The design was based on the ACSM's recommendations for the multiple-component exercise of the elderly (Chodzko-Zajko et al., 2009) and videos of the National Health Exercises for the Elderly formulated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2017). The course was created and led by a physical therapist to gradually progress from sitting postures to standing and walking postures. Additionally, the intensity of the exercises was adjusted according to the participants' physical conditions; fitness equipment was introduced when appropriate.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Participant)
Primary purpose: Health Services Research