This study was done to determine whether muscle strength training programs have an impact on improving symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI) and physical function among elderly women with UI who reside in long-term care facilities.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants had to be over 65 years, score over 15 score on the mini-mental state examination, and be able to walk alone or with an assistant. Seventy residents were randomly allocated to either the training group (n=35) or control group (n=35). The program consisted of 50 minutes, twice a week for 8 weeks, and included Kegel's exercise, Thera-band training and indoor walking. Main outcomes were UI symptoms, peak vaginal pressure and physical functions measured with timed up and go test (TUG), one leg standing test (OLST), activities of daily living (ADL) and grip strength. Changes in outcome measurements were calculated from baseline to 4 weeks and to 8 weeks using repeated measures ANOVA.

There were significant differences in peak vaginal pressure (p<.001), TUG (p<.001), OLST (p=.012) and grip strength (p<.001) in the interaction between groups and time.

Future studies are suggested to confirm the effect of muscle strength training in long-term care facilities where elderly women with UI reside.

This study examined the effects of aerobic exercise using a flex band on the improvement of physical functions & body image in breast cancer women undergoing radiation therapy after a mastectomy.

Women with breast cancer(n = 26) were assigned to an experimental group(EG, n = 15) and control group(CG, n = 11). The E.G. participated in an aerobic exercise program with a 60% to 80% intensity of maximal heart rate for 25 minutes during the main exercise, 3 times per week, for 6 weeks. The EG did not exercise regularly for 3 months before participating in this program. The CG received no exercise treatment during the research period. Data were analyzed using the χ²-test and Mann-Whitney U test by the SPSS version 11.0 program at a 5% significant level.

Group analysis revealed that the EGwomen had significantly more improved cardiopulmonary functions, ROM of the affected shoulder joint, and body image compared to the CG.

Aerobic exercise using a flex band may be an effective rehabilitative measure for mastectomy women with respect to cardio-pulmonary functions, ROM, & body image. Further studies are recommended to study early rehabilitation programs within 10 days post-operatively.

This study was to examine the effects of a Self-management program on physical function and quality of life of women with knee osteoarthritis.

The participants for this study, who had knee osteoarthritis, were recruited from an arthritis clinic, at a university hospital located in S city, Korea between February 16, 2004 and June 15, 2004. Seventeen subjects in the control group received no intervention and 18 subjects in for experimental group received an individual Self-management program. The self-management program consisted of dietary education and home-based exercise; walking and resistance exercise. The subjects performed this program 5 times per week during 8 weeks and recorded a diary for diet and exercise. In order to verify the effects of the Self-management program, physical function and Quality of life as a dependent variable were measured at three points in time: before, week4 and week8 after the interventions.

There were significant increases on physical function (F=5.08, p=.002) and significant interaction effects (F=7.42, p=.002) in the intervention group over the three measurement points in time. In addition, there were significant increases on quality of life (F=8.08, p=.002) and significant interaction effects (F=4.89, p=.016) in the intervention group over the three measurement points in time.

This study revealed that a Self-management program can be used as an efficient nursing intervention for women with knee osteoarthritis.