Long-term combined “new sports” and resistance exercise improves the physical and mental health of elderly people with stroke-associated hemiplegia

Abstract

Abstract In this study, we examined the effects of 24 weeks of a combined “new sports” and resistance exercise program on the physical and mental health of elderly people with hemiplegia. Thirty elderly people aged 65–74 years with hemiplegia were randomly divided into combined new sports and resistance exercise (NS+RE), resistance exercise (RE), and control groups. Indicators of physical health (range of motion [ROM], Berg Balance Scale [BBS], Functional Gait Assessment, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) and mental health (Grooved Pegboard Test [GPT], Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS], Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale [RSES], and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life [SS-QOL]) were measured before and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks of exercise training. Compared with the RE and control groups, the NS+RE group showed significant improvements in ROM, RSES, and SS-QOL starting at 8 weeks, GPT starting at 16 weeks, and BBS and GDS at 24 weeks. We conclude that combined new sports and resistance exercise was more effective than resistance exercise alone in terms of improving the physical and mental health of elderly people with hemiplegia. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating new sports into rehabilitation strategies and sustaining long-term exercise for lasting benefits.