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 .
Reducing frailty and falls in older persons: an investigation of Tai Chi and computerized balance training. Atlanta FICSIT Group. Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques.
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of two exercise approaches , Tai Chi ( TC ) and computerized balance training ( BT ) , on specified primary outcomes ( biomedical , functional , and psychosocial indicators of frailty ) and secondary outcomes ( occurrence of falls ) . DESIGN The Atlanta FICSIT ( Frailty and Injuries : Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques ) , a prospect i ve , r and omized , controlled clinical trial with three arms ( TC , BT , and education [ ED ] . Intervention length was 15 weeks , with primary outcomes measured before and after intervention and at 4-month follow-up . Falls were monitored continuously throughout the study . SETTING Persons aged 70 and older living in the community . PARTICIPANTS A total of 200 participants , 162 women and 38 men ; mean age was 76.2 . MEASUREMENTS Biomedical ( strength , flexibility , cardiovascular endurance , body composition ) , functional ( IADL ) , and psychosocial well-being ( CES-D scale , fear of falling question naire , self-perception of present and future health , mastery index , perceived quality of sleep , and intrusiveness ) variables . RESULTS Grip strength declined in all groups , and lower extremity range of motion showed limited but statistically significant changes . Lowered blood pressure before and after a 12-minute walk was seen following TC participation . Fear of falling responses and intrusiveness responses were reduced after the TC intervention compared with the ED group ( P = .046 and P = .058 , respectively ) . After adjusting for fall risk factors , TC was found to reduce the risk of multiple falls by 47.5 % . CONCLUSIONS A moderate TC intervention can impact favorably on defined biomedical and psychosocial indices of frailty . This intervention can also have favorable effects upon the occurrence of falls .  Tai Chi warrants further study as an exercise treatment to improve the health of older people
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 .