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 .
Effects of traditional physical training and visual computer feedback training in frail elderly patients. A randomized intervention study.
BACKGROUND Physical training to increase muscle strength and balance is considered useful for prevention of falls in older people . AIM This study compares conventional balance training with visual computer feedback training . DESIGN This was a r and omized controlled 12-week intervention trial with pre- and post-training evaluations . SETTING Out- patients referred to a geriatric falls and balance clinic . POPULATION Thirty-five patients were r and omized into two training groups . METHODS Both groups received progressive resistance muscle strength training and physical fitness training . Additionally , one group received traditional balance training and the other group received computer feedback balance training .  Strength , physical endurance , balance and falls efficacy scale scoring were assessed before and after end of training . RESULTS Twenty-seven patients ( 77 % ) were available for the evaluation ; mean compliance was 71 % . In the combined group , significant mean improvement was observed in knee extension ( 19 % ) , ankle dorsiflexion ( 16 % ) , sitting to st and ing ( 16 % ) , and in the six-minute walk test ( 8 % ) . In the traditional balance training group , the static balance in the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance st and ing on a foam mat with closed eyes showed a significant increase ( 80 % ) . No increase occurred in the computer balance training group . However , the computer feed-back training group showed a marked improvement that was up to 400 % in the training specific performance . CONCLUSION Elderly frail patients were able to increase muscle strength and physical endurance . A limited improvement was seen in the static balance tests . The computer feedback group showed a remarkable increase in training specific performance . Clinical Rehabilitation Impact
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 .