The Effect of Elderly Gymnastics Intervention And Interactive Counselling Skills on Muscle Strength, Self-Efficacy, and Health Commitment

Background: Ageing is commonly associated with a decline in physical function, particularly in muscle strength and fitness. Interventions that combine physical activity and psychosocial support may help maintain function and enhance well-being. This study explores the impact of elderly gymnastics intervention combined with interactive counselling skills on increasing muscle strength, self-efficacy, and health commitment in the elderly. Method: A true experimental study was conducted involving 60 elderly participants (aged 60–75 years) who were randomly assigned into three groups: Group 1 received both elderly gymnastics and interactive counselling, Group 2 received elderly gymnastics only, and Group 3 served as the control group. The intervention lasted six weeks. Outcomes measured included muscle strength (using a handgrip dynamometer), self-efficacy (visual analogue scale), and health commitment (numeric activity participation score). Data were analysed using paired t-tests and ANOVA. Results: Significant improvements were observed in Group 1 compared to Groups 2 and 3. Group 1 showed the highest increases in muscle strength (p = 0.013), self-efficacy (p = 0.022), and health commitment (p < 0.001). The combination of physical and counselling interventions was more effective than physical exercise alone or no intervention. Conclusion: A combined elderly gymnastics and interactive counselling program effectively improves both physical and psychological outcomes in older adults. This integrated approach is recommended to promote healthy ageing and improve quality of life.