Elastic Band Exercises and Locomotive Syndrome

Locomotive syndrome is described as a condition in which mobility functions such as gait or Sit-to-stand are decreased due to impairment of the locomotive organs. Progression of locomotion syndrome causes limitation in carrying out activities of daily living (ADL) independently. So interventions are required to limit the progression of the syndrome and to sustain the functions of locomotive organs. This study will be a randomized controlled trial in which elastic band exercises are used to enhance the physical performance of community-dwelling elderly with locomotive syndrome and changes will be recorded using different methods and tools. Non-probability convenient sampling technique will be used to collect the data. The sample size of 24 patients will be taken in this study. Patients will be randomly allocated into two different groups through sealed envelope method. Group A will be treated with elastic band exercises and Group B will have no intervention. Short physical performance battery protocol and score sheet tool will be used as outcome measure tool. Participants of both groups will be pre-tested before the application of interventional techniques and post-tested after the application of respective interventions after 3 months. Data will be analyzed on SPSS 21.

Locomotive syndrome is described as a condition in which mobility functions such as gait or Sit-to-stand are decreased due to impairment of the locomotive organs. Progression of locomotion syndrome causes limitation in carrying out activities of daily living (ADL) independently. So interventions are required to limit the progression of the syndrome and to sustain the functions of locomotive organs. Locomotive system of the body consist of 3 components which are Bones (support), joint and intervertebral discs(mobility, impact absorption) and muscular and nervous system (drive , control). Any dysfunction in these locomotive organs can lead to the development of pain, limited range of motion at joints muscle weakness and balance deficits. Common diseases of the locomotive organs which are non-traumatic etiology are chronic diseases disc degeneration, lower extremity cartilage degeneration and traumatic causes includes fractures due to osteoporosis.

Population of Japan is aging so rapidly 8-10% of people are 65 or above, and is already be seen as super aged society, it has great impact on social system including public health. Japanese did great work in this perspective and also the world .First described the term locomotive syndrome . Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) proposed the term of locomotive syndrome (LS) in 2007 to describe the conditions of patients with high-risk musculoskeletal diseases requiring Nursing care.GLFS-25 is geriatric locomotive function scale a screening tool developed by the JOA in 2012. A score \>16 indicates the presence of locomotive syndrome. GFLS is used to Assess a participant's physical condition and lifestyle over a prior month. It is self-administered and comprehensive questionnaire having 25 items, which include questions related to pain, Activities of daily living (ADL),social function and mental health status. 25 points are Graded from 0 points(no impairment)to 4 points (severe impairment. The (SPPB )Short Physical Performance Battery Protocol And Score Sheet is commonly used To measure balance ,gait speed and lower limb strength and endurance. There is more rapid functional decline in lower extremities than in lower extremities in individuals with locomotive syndrome. SPPB score of 6 is a low performance score. Different types of intervention strategies are used for the strengthening of muscles in adults but as far as elderly individuals are concerned there is a need for the intervention which is effective, inexpensive ,easy and most importantly safe to execute. To strengthen the weakened musculature resistance exercises are commonly performed. Elastic bands are the bands or tubes of plastic material which can provide load or resistance in all directions. Elastic bands of different resistance. are available and their coloring shows strength levels. Force that an elastic band generate is directly proportional to its length. By changing the length and thickness of these bands their resistance levels can be increased or decreased. Depending on the brand of resistance band most common colors are yellow, green, red, blue, black, silver and gold with yellow being the lightest and gold the strongest. It is easy to adjust the resistance of elastic band in muscle strengthening so these are commonly used for rehabilitation treatment of disorders and sports injuries because of their low cost and simplicity. In addition to increase in physical performance elastic band exercises also decreases the depression and anxiety. It is difficult for the elderly population to adhere with a continued training so elastic band exercises can be incorporated in training which are easy and simple to perform. Almost all the exercises with elastic bands can be performed at any place while walking ,travelling and everywhere because no tool or equipment is required. Previous studies did not used elastic band exercises in community-dwelling elderly to increase the physical performance.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age \>60 years
2. Both genders
3. Greater than 16 score on Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS)
4. Complaints related to legs and spine without disability in walking or going out.
5. Score of less than 45 in Berg Balance Scale.
6. Some difficulty in walking due to locomotive organ dysfunction.
7. Good communication and ability to perform activities of Short physical performance battery protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Persons with severe co-morbid conditins
2. Stroke
3. Cardiac failure
4. Cognitive impairment
5. Alzheimer's disease