Optimum physical health is important in maintaining independence among older adults. There is limited information regarding physical health status among older adults attending primary care clinics in the local population. The aim of this study was to examine physical health among older adults attending Primary Care Clinic at Cheras, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Primary Care Clinic at Cheras, Malaysia with a total 106 participants (mean age of 68 ± 6.3 years). Participants performed a battery of physical function tests. The results showed that the percentages of participants who performed below recommended norms for the 30secs Chair Stand Test (lower limb strength), Chair Sit and Reach Test (lower limb flexibility), Back Scratch Test (upper limb flexibility), Timed Up and Go (TUG) (functional mobility), Single Leg Stance Test (balance) and 2 mins Walk Test (2MWT) (aerobic endurance) were 32%, 18%, 21%, 29%, 22% and 78% respectively. The results suggest that majority of older adults visiting primary health care clinics had inadequate physical function in relation to aerobic endurance. Older adults attending primary health care clinics should be encouraged to improve their physical health status, especially aerobic endurance, to optimise their physical independence.
Enhancement of physical function had been shown in older adults who actively participate in physical activities, particularly in the form of aerobic training with addition of progressive resistance training (PRT). However, it is quite challenging and risky for most older adults to exercise in standing position without any support. Chair Based Exercise (CBE) is an alternative mode of exercise for older adult to facilitate exercise participation and increase safety. Its effect when combined with resistance training is unknown to date. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of CBE with PRT on physical performances among older adults. A total of 18 older adults (13 females (72%)) and 5 males (28%)), aged 60 to 83 years with mean age (SD) 72.67 (6.17) years completed the study. All subjects performed CBE with PRT intervention twice weekly for 8 weeks, with individually-tailored exercise progressions. Pre and post measurements of physical performance were performed using Six MinutesWalk Test (6MWT), Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSTS) and Hand Grip Strength (HGS) test. Significant improvement in 6MWT (p < .001), HGS Right hand (p = .043), HGS Left hand (p < .001), FTSTS (p < .001) was shown after the eight-week intervention. Adding PRT into seated exercises results in further improvement in physical performance of older adults. CBE-PRT may be recommended as an exercise routine for older adults living in the community.
Balance and motor skills are essential prerequisites for physical development of a child. The aims of this study were to measure anthropometrics, postural balance and motor skills; and examine their correlation among healthy preschool children. Forty nine healthy preschool children aged between 3 to 4 years old participated from PERMATA preschool organization. Pediatric Balance Scale and Peabody Development Motor Scale-2nd Edition (PDMS-2) were administered to measure balance skills for both fine and gross motor skills respectively. Mann-Whitney U test demonstrated that there was no significant difference in balance (p=0.72) and motor skill (p=0.33) between boys and girls. Spearman correlation coefficient demonstrated that there was significant correlation between balance skills with height (r=0.45, p=0.001) and body mass index(r=0.47, p=0.001). No significant correlation was found between balance skills and motor skills (r=0.11, p=0.44). The present study suggests that balance skills in healthy preschool children aged 3-4 years old are correlated with their physical growth such as height and weight but not motor skills.