The effects of toe grip training on physical performance and cognitive function of nursing home residents.
BACKGROUND
Toe grip-related training requires individuals to actively exercise muscles that are not frequently used; therefore, it may improve not only toe grip strength but also cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of toe grip-related training on predictors of physical performance and cognitive function in nursing home residents.


METHODS
A total of 35 nursing home residents (35 left and 35 right feet; mean age, 82.1 ± 7.9 years) were included in this study. The participants were divided into two groups: a training group and a control group. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess the cognitive function of the participants, and the Fall Risk Index (FRI) was used to evaluate the risk of falls. Toe grip-related physical function was also assessed. Baseline endpoints were evaluated and the effects of toe grip-related training were examined following a 12-week training intervention.


RESULTS
The training group showed significant improvements in MMSE score, FRI score, toe grip strength, and the toe skill (TS) test; however, the control group did not show these changes. The training group showed significant increases in Δ MMSE, Δ toe grip strength, and Δ TS (right foot) than the control group. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that Δ toe grip strength is an independent factor of Δ MMSE.


CONCLUSIONS
Toe grip training improves not only toe grip strength itself, but also cognitive function. Furthermore, change in toe grip strength was an independent factor of change in MMSE in those populations.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
UMIN, UMIN000027437 . Registered on 26 May 2017.
['Tsuyuguchi|Ryota|R|http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8021-0574', 'Kurose|Satoshi|S|', 'Seto|Takayuki|T|', 'Takao|Nana|N|', 'Fujii|Aya|A|', 'Tsutsumi|Hiromi|H|', 'Otsuki|Shingo|S|', 'Kimura|Yutaka|Y|']
D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D003071:Cognition D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D053580:Muscle Strength D009735:Nursing Homes D010809:Physical Fitness D055070:Resistance Training D014034:Toes
Toe grip training Cognitive function Nursing home residents Toe grip strength