Effect of Chair-Based Cloth-Assisted Exercise on Coordination and Grip Strength in Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Aging is associated with progressive declines in motor coordination and muscle strength, increasing the risk of falls and functional limitations. Chair-based exercise offers a safer alternative for older adults who are unable to perform standing exercises due to balance and mobility impairments.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chair-based exercise using a non-elastic cloth on upper-extremity coordination and handgrip strength in older adults.
Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest study was conducted among 20 female older adults aged 60–85 years selected through purposive sampling. The intervention consisted of chair-based aerobic exercise using a 2-meter non-elastic cloth, performed once weekly for 10 weeks (60 minutes per session). Upper-extremity coordination was assessed using the Finger-to-Nose Test (completion time and errors), and muscle strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05).
Results: Significant improvements were observed in all outcomes. Finger-to-Nose completion time decreased from 20.0 to 9.5 seconds (p < 0.001; r = 0.62), and errors decreased from 2 to 1 (p < 0.001; r = 0.58). Right- and left-hand grip strength increased significantly (p < 0.001; r = 0.62).
Conclusion: Chair-based exercise using a non-elastic cloth significantly improved coordination and handgrip strength, indicating a safe and effective approach to support functional capacity in older adults.