Effects of a laughter and exercise program on physiological and psychological health among community‐dwelling elderly in Japan: Randomized controlled trial. Issue 1 (7th June 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hirosaki, Mayumi; Ohira, Tetsuya; Kajiura, Mitsugu; Kiyama, Masahiko; Kitamura, Akihiko; Sato, Shinichi; Iso, Hiroyasu
• Is Part Of: Geriatrics and gerontology international. Volume 13:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: 152
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2012-06-07
• Subjects: Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Japan -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Japan -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2012.00877.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1444-1586

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <bold>Aim: </bold> To examine the effects of a once‐weekly laughter and exercise program on physical and psychological health among elderly people living in the community. As a regular exercise program can be difficult to maintain, we provided a more enjoyable program to enhance adherence to exercise.</p> <p> <bold>Methods: </bold> A total of 27 individuals aged 60 years or older, without disabilities, were randomly assigned to either an immediate treatment group (<italic>n</italic> = 14) or a delayed treatment group (<italic>n</italic> = 13). The intervention was a 120‐min session consisting of laughter and exercise, carried out once a week for 10 consecutive weeks. Measurements taken at baseline, 3 and 6 months included bodyweight, height, body fat, lean mass, bone mineral density, hemoglobin A1c (HbA<sub>1c</sub>), glucose, high‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as self‐rated health and psychological factors.</p> <p> <bold>Results: </bold> All participants completed the 3‐month program. Bone mineral density increased significantly in the immediate treatment group compared with the delayed treatment group during the first 3 months (<italic>P</italic> < 0.001). In addition, HbA<sub>1c</sub> decreased significantly (<italic>P</italic> = 0.001), and self‐rated health increased significantly (<italic>P</italic> = 0.012).</p> <p> <bold>Conclusions: </bold> The combination of a laughter and exercise program might have physiological and psychological health benefits for the elderly. Laughter might be an effective strategy to motivate the elderly to participate in physical activity. <bold>Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 152–160</bold>.</p> </abstract>