This study used sit-to-stand, knees up, and balancing on one leg with the eyes open to evaluate fitness. Sit-to-stand and knees up are items used to evaluate leg muscular strength and muscular endurance, which are abilities closely connected with self reliance of physical activity such as whole body movement, and change of direction. Enhancing leg muscular strength through regular exercise is very important for the maintenance and improvement of movement ability because leg muscular strength declines during the process of aging.
Elastic band exercise over an 8-week exercise period improved and maintained fitness, unlike in a study of young adults which found only just maintenance of strength after an 8 week exercise period, and we expect that further study will be carried out.