Chair based exercise (CBE) is an exercise alternative for older adults in ensuring
safety during exercise. Its evidence of effectiveness is currently limited to frail
older adults or those with acute medical conditions or terminal illnesses. Given
higher exercise difficulty level, CBE could benefit healthier older adults and can
be an exercise option for this population. This study was designed to evaluate
the outcome of a CBE on physical performance and quality of life in communitydwelling
older women in Malaysia. A total of 18 older women (mean age 66.78 +
4.60 years) completed CBE at twice-per-week for eight weeks. Exercise outcomes
were measured using six minutes’ walk test (6MWT), five times sit to stand test
(FTSTS) and hand-held dynamometer for physical endurance, functional lower
limb strength and grip strength, respectively. A Malay version of the World Health
Organization quality of life scale (WHOQOL-BREFMalay) was used to measure the
health status and QOL of the participants. All data were analysed with the use of
inferential statistics, with significance level set at p<0.05. The mean distance walked
in 6MWT improved after CBE (p<0.001), indicating greater physical endurance.
Significant improvements were also found in the overall QOL, and in the general
health, physical health, psychological and environment domains of the WHOQOLBREFMalay
(p<0.05). However, no significant changes were demonstrated in the
FTSTS and grip strength following the exercise. CBE enhances physical endurance
and quality of life among older women in the selected community and can be an
exercise option for this population.