2.4. Physical Function Assessment
Handgrip strength measurements were conducted both before and after the intervention to assess changes in muscle strength with each group. An analog hand dynamometer was utilized for the handgrip strength assessment. Participants stood with their elbow at a right angle by their side, maintaining a neutral wrist position. The base grip was positioned on the first metacarpal, with four fingers placed on the handles. Upon readiness, participants exerted their maximal effort to squeeze the dynamometer for 5 s without moving their body. Three trials were performed, and the highest recorded number was noted.Physical function related to leg strength and activities of daily living was evaluated using the following tests: (1) Five times sit-to-stand (5X-STS): participants executed this test using a hard, straight-backed, arm-less chair (43 cm in height) placed against a wall. With both arms crossed on the chest, they completed three trials of five sit-to-stand repetitions at their maximum speed with a 2 min rest interval. The time was recorded upon the completion of the fifth repetition. (2) Timed up and go (TUG): participants were instructed to sit on a chair (43 cm height), rise, walk around a cone (2.44 m from the chair), and return back to the chair at their maximum walking speed. Three trials were performed with a 1 min resting interval. (3) 6 m walk (6MW): participants walked to a marked point over 6 m at their maximum walking speed for three trials with a 30 s rest between each trial. (4) 30 s sit-to-stand (30S-STS): participants were tasked with repeatedly standing up and sitting down from a chair as many times as possible within 30 s. The number of repetitions was recorded.