Effects of Manual Therapy and Resistance Band Exercises on Sarcopenia and Joint Function in Adults Aged 65 and Older: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective : This study aimed to evaluate the effects of combined manual therapy and resistance band exercises on sarcopenia and joint function in elderly individuals aged 65 years or older, providing scientific evidence for effective intervention programs to improve physical function. Methods : A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 32 older adults aged 65 and above, recruited from the G Welfare Center in Gwangju. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (manual therapy combined with exercise therapy) or the control group (manual therapy only), with 16 participants in each group. During the study, 12 participants dropped out, leaving 10 participants in each group for the final analysis. The intervention was conducted over six weeks, with a total of 12 sessions. The intervention effects were analyzed through various physical function assessments, including balance ability, gait speed, sit-to-stand performance, shoulder and pelvic height, and grip strength. Results : Following the combined intervention of manual therapy and resistance band exercises, the experimental group showed significant improvements in balance ability and ROM (p<0.05), as well as greater changes in sit-to-stand performance (p=0.003). Gait speed significantly increased only in the experimental group (p=0.046), while grip strength showed no significant changes in either group (p>0.05). Conclusion : The combined intervention of manual therapy and resistance band exercises demonstrated significant improvements in balance ability and lower limb function in older adults (p<0.05). This suggests a synergistic effect of manual therapy and resistance exercises, highlighting their potential as a rehabilitation protocol for reducing fall risk and enhancing physical function.