Wearable Inertial Sensor-Based Detection of Exercise-Induced Mobility Adaptations in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Wearable inertial sensors have become tools for objectively assessing mobility in older people. This study analyzed whether wearable inertial sensors could detect exercise-induced mobility changes and compared the effects of multicomponent training (MCT) and elastic band training (EBT) on mobility and physical function in older women. Forty-two participants were randomly allocated to either the MCT (n = 21) or EBT (n = 21) group, where 38 (EBT: n = 19; MCT: n = 19) completed the 16-week intervention. Outcomes included instrumented Timed Up-and-Go (iTUG) assessed with a wearable inertial sensor, the Senior Fitness Test, maximal isometric handgrip strength, conventional TUG, anthropometric measurements, health-related quality of life, and blood biomarkers. Data were analyzed using age-adjusted linear mixed-effects models. The iTUG showed shorter completion time (p < 0.001), reduced middle-turn duration (p = 0.004), and increased cadence (p = 0.007). Significant time effects were also observed for chair stand (p = 0.011), arm curl (p < 0.001), and conventional TUG (p = 0.009). No significant group × time interactions were detected. After adjustment for multiple comparisons, no significant changes were observed in anthropometric measures, health-related quality of life, or blood biomarkers. Wearable inertial sensors detected training-related mobility changes, and both exercise programs improved physical function and mobility without between-group differences.