Home-based high-intensity functional strength training (HIFST) for community-dwelling older adults with preclinical mobility limitations after a slip, trip, or fall: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Creators: name: Morgan, Ashley
name: Tang, Ada
name: Heisz, Jennifer
name: Thabane, Lehana
name: Richardson, Julie
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2025
Subjects: subject: Biotechnology
subject: Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Ecology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified

description: To determine the feasibility and preliminary effects of a home-based 12-week high-intensity functional strength training (HIFST) intervention for community-dwelling older adults (≥55 years) experiencing preclinical mobility limitations after a slip, trip, or fall. Participants were randomized (1:1) to HIFST (interval-based strengthening using everyday movements) or a lower extremity stretching group. Both interventions were delivered virtually by a physiotherapist. Feasibility was assessed based on predetermined criteria for adherence, recruitment, retention, and safety. Preliminary effects on physical and cognitive functioning outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. Exploratory analyses were also conducted to assess enjoyment throughout the intervention. Twenty-four participants (mean age 67.5 years, 21 females) were randomized (12 in each group). All feasibility criteria were met; 86.1% of HIFST sessions were completed, 82.8% of eligible participants were enrolled, 91.7% of participants completed follow-up assessments, and no serious adverse events occurred. Exploratory analyses suggested benefits for HIFST on a self-reported mobility status, the Oral-Trails Making Test-B, and higher self-reported exercise enjoyment levels at several time points. Home-based HIFST delivered virtually by a physiotherapist is feasible and results suggest beneficial effects which warrant further exploration in a larger fully powered trial. Exercise interventions are crucial for addressing preclinical mobility limitation (PCML), a period during which older adults demonstrate subtle changes in task method and/or frequency, which are indicative of early functional decline.Home-based high intensity interval-based strengthening exercise using everyday movements delivered via videoconferencing by a physiotherapist to older adults demonstrated safety and high rates of adherence.Home-based high intensity interval-based strengthening exercise using everyday movements may offer a time-efficient exercise option to prevent functional decline for older adults experiencing PCML. Exercise interventions are crucial for addressing preclinical mobility limitation (PCML), a period during which older adults demonstrate subtle changes in task method and/or frequency, which are indicative of early functional decline. Home-based high intensity interval-based strengthening exercise using everyday movements delivered via videoconferencing by a physiotherapist to older adults demonstrated safety and high rates of adherence. Home-based high intensity interval-based strengthening exercise using everyday movements may offer a time-efficient exercise option to prevent functional decline for older adults experiencing PCML.