Intervention study on balance ability, motor ability and quality of life in middle-aged and elderly population by functional physical training

Weizhen GENG^1,a；^2,*

1. Pai Chai University, Daejeon 35345, South Korea;
2. Hubei University of Arts and Science，XiangYang, HuBei,441000,China;

^aEmail: Gwz282573@163.com

^bEmail:gaoshun357@gmail.com

Abstract: This study investigates the intervention effects of functional physical training on the balance, motor skills, and quality of life of middle-aged and elderly individuals. Methods: Fifty middle-aged and elderly patients admitted to our hospital from January 2024 to September 2024 were selected as the study subjects. They were divided into a control group (conventional physical training) and an experimental group (control group plus functional physical training), with 25 patients in each group. The study compared the improvements in balance, motor skills, and quality of life between the two groups. Results: After the functional physical training, the experimental group showed significantly better performance in all metrics compared to the control group, with P<0.05. Conclusion: Functional training positively enhances the balance and motor skills of middle-aged and elderly individuals, significantly improving their quality of life. This approach is highly recommended for widespread adoption.

Key words: functional physical training; middle-aged and elderly groups; sports ability

The aging of the population in our country is accelerating, and the health of middle-aged and elderly people has become a topic of concern across various sectors. As they enter old age, their physical functions gradually decline, particularly in balance and mobility, which increases the risk of falls and injuries[1]. The independence and quality of daily life are also significantly affected. How to use scientific and systematic intervention methods to slow down the decline in physical functions and enhance life satisfaction has become a key issue in the field of elderly health research. In recent years, functional physical training, a comprehensive exercise method that includes strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and core stability, has gained attention as it closely mirrors real-life scenarios[2]. Research has shown that functional physical training can effectively improve the body control and daily activity levels of middle-aged and elderly people, but most studies focus on changes in specific abilities, with fewer studies examining its overall intervention effects, especially those related to quality of life[3]. This paper aims to explore the impact of a systematic functional physical training intervention program on the balance, mobility, and quality of life of middle-aged and elderly people, providing theoretical support and operational references for health promotion interventions, and promoting the concept of healthy aging at the community and family levels.

1 Data and methods

1.1 General information

Fifty middle-aged and elderly patients admitted to our hospital from January 2024 to September 2024 were selected as the subjects of the study. These patients were divided into two groups based on the differences in their nursing training: the control group (with routine physical training) and the experimental group (with additional functional physical training). Each group consisted of 25 patients. The control group included 13 males and 12 females, with an age range of 62 to 77 years, and an average age of 68.24 ± 2.31 years. The experimental group included 13 males and 12 females, with an age range of 63 to 77 years, and an average age of 68.44 ± 2.51 years. The comparison of the general data of the two groups showed no significant differences, with P> 0.05.

1.2 Method

Control Group: The routine physical training program is designed to maintain the basic aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and joint mobility of middle-aged and elderly individuals. The training sequence includes warm-up, aerobic exercise, basic strength training, and cool-down stretching. Patients start with a 10-minute warm-up, which includes low-intensity stepping and arm circling exercises. They then engage in 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activities, such as slow walking and stationary cycling. Following this, they perform 20 minutes of basic strength training, focusing on bodyweight squats and wall push-ups. Finally, they spend 10 minutes on static stretching and relaxation [4].

Experimental Group: In addition to the control group, functional physical training was added. This training, designed by professionals, focuses on the movement degeneration of middle-aged and elderly individuals, emphasizing the continuity and practicality of movements[5]. The training involves dynamic movements involving multiple joints, directions, and tasks, simulating complex actions like carrying, climbing stairs, picking up objects, turning, and stepping, to enhance the patients ‘physical adaptability and reaction speed in real-life situations. A simulation of object lifting exercises was included, where patients had to control their core stability while performing a series of actions such as bending, lifting, and turning, constantly adjusting their posture and center of gravity to improve overall coordination. Additionally, unstable support training was introduced, including single-leg stands on foam pads or elastic balls, cross-step forward movements, and dynamic high knee lifts, to test the patients’ balance system and vestibular integration ability[6]. Coaches also had patients perform cognitive tasks while walking, such as mental arithmetic or color recognition, to enhance the coordination between the body and cognitive systems, mimicking the scenario of multiple attention points in daily life.

The intensity and difficulty of the training are dynamically adjusted based on the individual’s actual abilities and progress, to prevent overfatigue or sports injuries and ensure the safety and acceptability of the intervention. During the training, a group format is used to encourage patient interaction and social engagement, enhancing their sense of participation and psychological support. The primary benefit of functional physical training is that it not only improves basic physical fitness but also enhances the movement strategies for interacting with the environment, effectively preventing falls and improving the ability to live independently. On a deeper level, this training improves the quality of life and mental health of middle-aged and elderly individuals.

1.3 Observation indicators

(1) Comparison of balance ability

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used to evaluate the balance ability of two groups of patients before training and one month after training. There were 14 items in total, and each item was rated from 0 to 4 points with a total score of 0 to 56 points. The higher the score was, the better the balance ability of patients was.

(2) Comparison of motor function

The Fugl-Meyer Rating Scale (FMA) was used to evaluate the motor function of patients in two groups before and one month after training. The scale is divided into two categories: upper limb and lower limb. The upper limb section includes 33 items, each rated from 0 to 2 points, with a total score ranging from 0 to 66 points. The lower limb section includes 17 items, each rated from 0 to 2 points, with a total score ranging from 0 to 34 points. A higher score indicates better motor function recovery.

(3) Comparison of quality of life

The quality of life was scored according to psychological function, physiological function and social relationship, and the score was proportional to the quality of life.

1.4 Statistical methods

Data were processed with SPSS23.0, measurement data were expressed as (±s) and tested by t-test, and count data were expressed as (%) and tested by x2-test. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

2 Results

2.1 Comparison of BBS scores before and after training in two groups of patients

According to the data comparison, it was found that the data of patients in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group after intervention, P<0.05, see Table 1

Table 1 Comparison of BBS scores before and after training in two groups of patients (±s)

2.2 Comparison of motor function before and after training in two groups of patients

According to the data comparison, it was found that the data of patients in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group after intervention, P<0.05, see Table 2

Table 2 Comparison of FMA scores before and after training in two groups of patients (±s)

2.3 Comparison of quality of life scores between the two groups

According to the data comparison, the experimental group was significantly better than the control group, P<0.05, see Table 3.

Table 3 Comparison of quality of life scores between the two groups (±s, points)

3 Discussion

As the aging population grows, the health challenges faced by middle-aged and elderly individuals are becoming more severe. In addition to a high incidence of chronic diseases and prominent psychological issues, the decline in physical function has become a significant factor affecting their quality of life and social participation[7]. Particularly, the decline in balance and motor skills significantly increases the risk of accidents such as falls and fractures, which are major causes of mobility limitations, disability, and loss of independent living abilities among middle-aged and elderly people. The decline in balance is closely linked to proprioception, muscle strength, and neural regulation. Once impaired, it directly affects basic activities like walking, turning, and climbing stairs. Motor skills are essential for maintaining physical strength, performing daily activities, and participating in social life. Once they decline, it can easily lead to a vicious cycle of ‘activity-degeneration-lower activity’ [8]. Quality of life is a comprehensive indicator that encompasses physical health, mental state, interpersonal relationships, and social function, reflecting an individual’s satisfaction with their life. When middle-aged and elderly individuals lose their independence due to limited mobility or declining balance, it not only harms their physical condition but also leads to psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, affecting social interactions and family harmony.

As middle-aged and elderly individuals age, their vestibular system, muscle strength, joint flexibility, and proprioceptive function gradually decline, leading to a sharp decrease in balance ability and a significant increase in the incidence of falls. Functional physical training is based on simulating real-life actions, focusing on multi-joint coordination, dynamic posture control, and unstable support surfaces. This training effectively activates the core muscles, improving the body’s central axis stability and center of gravity control. For example, tasks such as standing on one leg, stepping, and changing direction are often included in the training, encouraging patients to constantly adjust their posture and center of gravity, thus accelerating the response speed and coordination of the neuromuscular system. Research shows that after a period of functional training, middle-aged and elderly individuals show significant improvements in the Berg Balance Scale, indicating effective enhancements in both static and dynamic balance. Additionally, this training enhances the integration of vestibular and proprioceptive functions, enabling patients to better maintain their balance when faced with sudden external disturbances, such as uneven ground or sudden head turns, thereby reducing the risk of falling. Improved body balance not only enhances the safety of the body but also boosts confidence and independence in daily activities.

Functional physical training differs from traditional strength training by focusing on completing ‘real functional tasks.’ It emphasizes the synergy of multiple muscle groups and joints, enhancing the ability of middle-aged and elderly individuals to perform complex motor tasks. The training includes activities such as climbing stairs, picking up objects from the ground, turning to reach for items, lifting objects, and controlling walking posture. These actions are closely related to real-life scenarios, requiring good coordination, explosive power, and muscle endurance. They also significantly stimulate the muscles in the lower limbs and trunk. After a period of practice, patients show significant improvements in key motor skills, such as the 6-minute walk test, the 30-second sit-up test, and the 10-meter walking speed assessment. This demonstrates a substantial improvement in the mobility and body control of middle-aged and elderly individuals. These improvements are not just about muscle strength and speed but also enhance the patients’ ability to perform complex actions in various environments and their endurance, thereby improving their social participation.

Quality of life is a multifaceted indicator that encompasses physiological functions, mental health, social connections, and the ability to adapt to the surrounding environment. Functional physical training enhances physical control and athletic performance, indirectly and significantly improving the quality of life for middle-aged and elderly individuals in various aspects. Firstly, from a physiological health perspective, training reduces the risk of falls and improves self-care abilities, making daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grocery shopping, and cooking smoother and more independent, thus increasing scores in physical function. Secondly, the positive physical experience and the sense of interaction with others during training greatly alleviate symptoms of depression and enhance mental health. Thirdly, participating in training activities fosters more active social interactions and a sense of belonging, allowing some middle-aged and elderly individuals to meet new friends and form new social circles after joining group activities, thereby strengthening their social support systems. In terms of environmental adaptation, the improved physical response and sense of security encourage patients to be more willing to engage in outdoor activities and community affairs, leading to greater satisfaction with their living environments.

This study evaluated and compared the health status of middle-aged and elderly individuals through functional physical training, focusing on balance function, motor ability, and quality of life. The experimental group showed significantly better performance in all aspects compared to the control group, with P<0.05. In terms of balance function, the short-term intervention demonstrated significant plasticity. The experimental group underwent training that included core stability, posture adjustment, and dynamic control, resulting in improved scores on the Berg Balance Scale and the single-leg standing test. This indicates that middle-aged and elderly individuals respond quickly to functional training and show significant improvement. Regarding motor ability, although there were positive changes in the 6-minute walk test and 30-second sit-up after training, the improvement was slower due to limitations in muscle strength, endurance, and age, highlighting the importance of consistent training. In terms of quality of life, improvements were driven by enhancements in balance and motor ability, but the fluctuations were significant. The scale assessment revealed a substantial increase in physical health scores, while improvements in psychological state and social relationships were more dependent on individual participation, social support, and self-awareness, reflecting the long-term effects of the intervention. After functional training, patients showed significant improvements in psychological function, social relationships, and physical function.

To sum up, functional physical training has a positive effect on improving the balance function, quality of life and motor function of the elderly group, which is worth promoting.

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