Comparing biological information and mood for video exercise and intervention exercise in older adults a pilot study

Background: Light exercise for older adults is effective in preventing dementia and maintaining independent living. However, difference in effectiveness between person supported intervention exercise and exercise by video watching is not clear. In this study, we compare these differences using biological information and subjective evaluation by Profile of Mood States (POMS). Methods: Participants were 10 older adults in the healthy group (aged 69±5 years) and 5 in the musculoskeletal disease group (aged 72±7 years). Each participant performed 30 min of video exercise on the first day and 30 min of intervention exercise the next day. Biological information such as pulse rate, physical activity, skin temperature and conversation time were measured during the exercise using a wearable sensors. Subjective evaluation by POMS was performed before and after exercise. In addition, psychomotor vigilance test was performed and reaction time of fingertips was measured before and after exercise. Results: In both groups, physical activity was significantly decreased with intervention exercise (P < 0.01), and conversation time was significantly increased with intervention exercise (P < 0.01). In the healthy group, skin temperature decreased significantly with both exercise therapies (p < 0.01). Especially, video exercise decrease skin temperature more than intervention exercise. Reaction time of fingertip became significantly faster after intervention exercise in the healthy group (P < 0.05). POMS results showed that intervention exercise resulted in significantly more positive mood. Conclusions: Resistance training using elastic tubes as an intervention exercise is effective in preventing a decrease in skin temperature and improving fingertip reaction time in the healthy older adults. Intervention exercise is effective in improving mood of older adults, moreover it is suggested that intervention and conversation during the exercise may have an effect on improving mood.