Effectiveness of a Functional Improvement Program Using a Movement Machine Based on Motor Learning Theory.

The purpose of this research was to verify the effectiveness of a functional improvement program utilizing a movement machine which was based on the motor learning theory and contributed to improvement in quality of life. To verify the effect of the functional improvement program, the following assessments were undertaken with 8 subjects with a mean age (± SD) of 84.9 ± 4.0 years who attended day care services for the elderly. (1) Grip (2) Knee extension power (3) One leg standing time (4) Timed Up and Go Test (5) Functional Reach These assessments were carried out before the first session of the motor learning program and after the last session. The motor learning program comprised the following activities completed once weekly for 15 minutes in each session for 3 weeks. (1) Movement of the neck when gaze is fixed (2) Trunk extension exercises varying the fulcrum at different spinal levels (3) Training involving the pursuit of a target using the eyes, neck and trunk (4) Cognitive training of the ankle joint using a cognitive training device (5) Cognitive training of the knee joint using a cognitive training device No significant differences were found among assessments results. However, there was a tendency for improvement in all test items other than grip, indicating that the motor learning program using a movement machine was effective for improvement of functional movement and in care prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]