Enhancing Quality of Life in Sedentary Elderly Individuals: The Impact of the Home-Based Full-Body In-Bed Gym Program — A Prospective, Observational, Single-Arm Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The limitations in mobility frequently encountered by the elderly, often linked to advanced age and concurrent medical conditions, have significant implications for their overall well-being and self-reliance. This decrease in physical activity not only curtails their independence but also elevates the likelihood of prolonged hospitalization and the accompanying complications. AIM. To assess the impact of a home-based Full-Body in-Bed Gym program, a 10-exercise protocol consisting of three sessions per week for two months, on the quality of life of elderly individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study involved participants of both genders aged over 65, who were classified as sedentary, engaging in less than one hour of physical activity per week. Participants with recent orthopedic conditions, severe cardiovascular or oncological diseases, and significant neurological disorders were excluded due to their potential to confound the effects of the Full-Body in-Bed Gym program and impact overall health and quality of life. RESULTS. A total of 22 subjects, with a median age of 71.90 years, participated in the study. Elderly individuals engaging in the Full-Body in-Bed Gym program, experienced improvements in their quality of life. These gains were noticeable in the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) Physical Component Summary (p = 0.07) and reached statistical significance in the Mental Component Summary (p = 0.04). DISCUSSION. The observed gains in the quality of life among elderly participants engaging in the home-based Full-Body in-Bed Gym program are noteworthy. The positive impact on the mental component of the SF-12 is particularly significant, indicating improvements in mental well-being. This aligns with the broader understanding that physical activity in the elderly is intricately linked to various aspects of their health, including mental health. While the preliminary findings suggest positive outcomes, future research with larger and more diverse cohorts could provide a more robust understanding of the Full-Body in-Bed Gym program’s impact. CONCLUSION. Our findings underscore the potential of a home-based Full-Body in-Bed Gym program to enhance the quality of life in elderly participants, highlighting the need for further exploration of rehabilitation and prevention strategies in this context.