Effects of a 12-Week Exercise Training Program on Physical Function in Institutionalized Frail Elderly

Abstract

With the increase in life expectancy, the Brazilian elderly population has risen considerably. However, longevity is usually accompanied by problems such as the loss of functional capacity, cognitive decline, frailty syndrome, and deterioration in anthropometric parameters, particularly among those living in long-term care facilities. This randomized controlled trial aimed to verify the effects of exercise training on biochemical, inflammatory, and anthropometric indices and functional performance in institutionalized frail elderly. The sample consisted of 37 elderly people of both genders, aged 76.1 ± 7.7 years, who were randomly allocated into 2 groups: 13 individuals in the exercise group (EG) and 24 in the control group (CG). Anthropometrics, clinical history, functional tests, and biochemical evaluation were measured before and after the completion of a physical exercise program, which lasted for 12 weeks. The 12-week exercise program for frail elderly residents in a long-term care facility was efficient in improving muscle strength, speed, agility, and biochemical variables, with reversal of the frailty condition in a considerable number. However, no effects in anthropometric and inflammatory parameters were noted.

Effects of Multicomponent Exercise on Frailty in Long‐Term Nursing Homes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Because the prevalence of frailty varies widely depending on the test, this study used four different tools to assess frailty. The results agree with a previous study that showed a lower prevalence of frailty according to Fried's frailty phenotype after an exercise program in older adults in a long‐term care facility in Brazil . Further, the significant increase in the IG and decrease in the CG of the SPPB score that we report agrees with another study that performed resistance training in LTNHs.…”

“…According to the SOF index, the prevalence of frailty tended to be lower in the IG, but the differences were not significant. Therefore, these results are consistent with results published in recent studies that seem to indicate physical exercise could play an important role in reducing frailty . However, more research is needed to determine an optimum program to tackle frailty in LTNHs.…”

“…A major strength of this study is the analysis of progression of frailty with four different tools after an exercise intervention in LTNH residents. Our results agree with studies that show positive effects of physical exercise interventions on frailty in this population . In addition, the study length and sample size, one of the largest among studies focused on multicomponent exercise programs in LTNH residents, are strong points of our research.…”

“…Therefore, these results are consistent with results published in recent studies that seem to indicate physical exercise could play an important role in reducing frailty. 17,18 However, more research is needed to determine an optimum program to tackle frailty in LTNHs. Regarding the ability to perform ADLs, these results agree with other studies showing a significant decline on the Barthel Index in the CG, but not in those who performed an exercise program in an LTNH setting.…”

“…Considering that clinical frailty scales include components such as strength and gait ability, exercise programs could also be effective to reduce frailty in this population. Moreover, some recent studies investigated the topic with promising results, but further research is needed in this continuously growing population …”