Effects of IMS Training on Physical Performance and Muscle Strength in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Single-Arm Trial

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ideal Movement Stabilizer (IMS) training, a decompression-based standing postural control program, on physical performance and muscle strength in older adults residing in community settings. Design: The study followed a single-arm, prospective intervention design. Methods: A group of ten community-dwelling older adults participated in a 12-week IMS training program, where one-hour sessions were conducted once weekly. The IMS program was structured as an ideal movement stabilization system, consisting of bodyweight decompression movements performed in a standing position. The program emphasized postural control and stabilization without incorporating external loads. Physical performance was assessed through the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) components, which included balance, gait speed, and sit-to-stand, alongside grip strength measurements. Evaluations were conducted at baseline and again post-intervention, with changes analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. Results: After completing the 12-week intervention, participants exhibited significant improvements in their total SPPB scores (baseline: 9.90±0.99, post-intervention: 11.30±0.82; p=0.014), accompanied by a large effect size (r=0.78). Although not reaching statistical significance, there were observable improvements in specific components: balance increased from 3.60±0.70 to 3.90±0.32 (P=0.180), gait speed from 3.60±0.52 to 3.90±0.32 (P=0.180), sit-to-stand performance from 2.70±1.16 to 3.5±0.71 (P=0.107), and grip strength from 25.12±4.36 to 27.22±6.30 (P=0.333). Conclusions: The 12-week IMS training program effectively enhanced physical performance in community-dwelling older adults, as shown by significant increases in SPPB scores. This decompression-based, bodyweight-focused program supports postural control and stability, offering a safe and beneficial way to improve functional mobility without external loads.