The conclusion is that there is firm evidence for training effects on physical fitness , functional performance , activity of daily living performance , and quality -of-life .
The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review on training outcomes influencing physical fitness , activity of daily living performance , and quality -of-life in institutionalized older people .
Our ultimate goal was to propose criteria for an evidence -based exercise protocol aim ed at improving physical fitness , activity of daily living performance , and quality -of-life of frail institutionalized older people .
Effects of a fall prevention program including exercise on mobility and falls in frail older people living in residential care facilities
Background and aims : Impaired mobility is one of the strongest predictors for falls in older people . We hypothesized that exercise as part of a fall prevention program would have positive effects , both short- and long-term , on gait , balance and strength in older people at high risk of falling and with varying levels of cognition , residing in residential care facilities . A secondary hypothesis was that these effects would be associated with a reduced risk of falling . Methods : 187 out of all residents living in 9 facilities , ≥65 years of age were at high risk of falling . The facilities were clusterr and omized to fall intervention or usual care . The intervention program comprised : education , environment , individually design ed exercise , drug review , post-fall assessment s , aids , and hip protectors . Data were adjusted for baseline performance and clustering . Results : At 11 weeks , positive intervention effects were found on independent ambulation ( FAC , p=0.026 ) , maximum gait speed ( p=0.002 ) , and step height ( ≥10 cm , p<0.001 ) , but not significantly on the Berg Balance Scale . At 9 months ( long-term outcome ) , 3 intervention and 15 control residents had lost the ability to walk ( p=0.001 ) . Independent ambulation and maximum gait speed were maintained in the intervention group but deteriorated in the control group ( p=0.001 ) . Residents with both higher and lower cognition benefited in most outcome measures . No association was found between improved mobility and reduced risk of falling . Conclusions : Exercise , as part of a fall prevention program , appears to preserve the ability to walk , maintain gait speed , ambulate independently , and improve step height . Benefits were found in residents with both lower and higher cognitive impairment , but were not found to be associated with a reduced risk of falling
The conclusion is that there is firm evidence for training effects on physical fitness , functional performance , activity of daily living performance , and quality -of-life .
The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review on training outcomes influencing physical fitness , activity of daily living performance , and quality -of-life in institutionalized older people .
Our ultimate goal was to propose criteria for an evidence -based exercise protocol aim ed at improving physical fitness , activity of daily living performance , and quality -of-life of frail institutionalized older people .