The multi-component exercise intervention composed by strength , endurance and balance training seems to be the best strategy to improve rate of falls , gait ability , balance , and strength performance in physically frail older adults
The aim of this review was to recommend training strategies that improve the functional capacity in physically frail older adults based on scientific literature , focusing specially in supervised exercise programs that improved muscle strength , fall risk , balance , and gait ability .
The Performance Enhancement Project: improving physical performance in older persons.
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of center-based exercise on physical performance in older persons at risk for decline in physical functioning . DESIGN R and omized controlled trial . SETTING Senior centers . PARTICIPANTS A total of 155 community-dwelling persons , 78.7 % women , ages 70 years and older ( mean + /- st and ard deviation , 77.0+/-4.5y ) , with mobility impairments . INTERVENTION Intervention volunteers ( n=80 ) exercised at a center ( endurance , strength , balance , flexibility ) 3 times weekly , for months 1 to 6 ; once weekly , for months 7 to 12 with home exercise 2 sessions a week ; and at home only , for months 13 to 18 . Home control volunteers ( n=75 ) were instructed in home endurance exercise . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES MacArthur battery , Physical Performance Test ( PPT-8 ) , and 6-Minute Walk Test ( 6MWT ) at baseline and 3 , 6 , 12 , and 18 months . RESULTS MacArthur battery scores improved in intervention compared with home control at 3 , 6 , and 12 months ( repeated- measures analysis of variance : group x time , P<.05 ) but not 18 months . PPT-8 and 6MWT did not improve . Intervention group assignment , younger age , and better baseline physical function and self-perceived health were independent predictors of long-term MacArthur battery score improvement . CONCLUSIONS Compared with home control , center-based exercise improved gait , chair rise time , and balance over 1 year . Improvements were not sustained with transition to home exercise for months 13 to 18 . Classes may be necessary to maintain improvements in older persons attending center-based exercise
The multi-component exercise intervention composed by strength , endurance and balance training seems to be the best strategy to improve rate of falls , gait ability , balance , and strength performance in physically frail older adults
The aim of this review was to recommend training strategies that improve the functional capacity in physically frail older adults based on scientific literature , focusing specially in supervised exercise programs that improved muscle strength , fall risk , balance , and gait ability .