Effects of a resistance training program performed with an interocclusal splint for community-dwelling older adults : a randomized controlled trial

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 28; no. 5; pp. 1499 - 1504
• Main Authors: TATSUYA HIRASE, SHIGERU INOKUCHI, NOBUOU MATSUSAKA, KAZUMI NAKAHARA, MINORU OKITA
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Society of Physical Therapy Science 2016
• ISSN: 0915-5287

[Abstract.] [Purpose] To examine whether resistance training for elderly community-dwellers performed with an interocclusal splint resulted in greater lower extremity muscle strength and better balance than resistance training performed without an interocclusal splint. [Subjects and Methods] Eighty-eight elderly persons using Japanese community day centers were randomly divided into two groups: an intervention group (n=45), which performed resistance training with an interocclusal splint; and a control group (n=43), which performed resistance training without an interocclusal splint. The resistance training program comprised a 40-min session performed twice a week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures were the chair stand test (CST), timed up and go test (TUG), and one-leg standing test (OLST). Assessments were conducted before the intervention and every 2 weeks after the start of the intervention. [Results] There was a significant group×time interaction for the OLST, with the intervention group showing significant improvement from 8 to 12 weeks compared to the control group. For the CST and TUG, no significant differences were found between the two groups throughout the 12 weeks. [Conclusion] Resistance training with an interocclusal splint improved the balance ability of elderly community-dwellers more effectively than resistance training without an interocclusal splint.