ABSTRACT
Research highlights the benefits of regular traditional multicomponent training in older adults. The potential effect of exergames on perceptive-cognitive and physical function in prefrail older adults is still little explored. The study aimed to compare the effects of two physical exercise training programs (exergaming vs. traditional multicomponent) on perceptive-cognitive and physical functions of prefrail older adults. This study was a randomized controlled trial having 66 prefrail older adults assigned to two groups (exergame group [EG]: n = 32, 70.84 ± 4.53 years; multicomponent group [MG]: n = 34, 70.76 ± 5.60 years). Frailty phenotype, fall history, basic and advanced cognition, perceptual, physical (mobility, gait speed, and balance), and muscle (strength and power) functions were evaluated. Intervention was conducted during 12 weeks. The EG and MG performed similar exercise routines involving the main lower limb muscle groups required in daily activities. A mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) and effect size (d) revealed that both programs were effective in postponing frailty status, reducing the fear of falling (EG: d = 1.65; MG: d = 1.40), increasing fall risk awareness (EG: d = 2.14; MG: d = 1.60), improving cognitive status (EG: d = 0.83-2.61; MG: d = 0.86-1.43), muscle (EG: d = 0.54; MG: d = 0.51-0.73), and physical function (EG: d = 0.97-1.55; MG: d = 1.01-2.23). The exergame training might be a better alternative to improve cognition, whereas the multicomponent program may be a better option to provide physical function gains.
Subject(s)
Cognition , Exercise Therapy , Accidental Falls , Aged , Fear , Frailty , HumansABSTRACT
Physical exercise is a potential intervention to revert or attenuate frailty syndrome, which may be accomplished by traditional center-based and home-based programs. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a home-based and center-based exercise program on frailty status, physical and muscle function of frail older women. Thirty-one frail older women were allocated in two different groups: home-based group (n = 17, 71.5 ± 6.5 years) or center-based group (n = 14, 68.4 ± 6.4 years). The exercise program lasted 12 weeks (3 days/week), 60 minutes/session, including strengthening, balance, and gait exercises. Frailty status, knee, and hip strength, and physical function were assessed before and after the intervention. After the exercise program, frailty was reversed in 76% of the participants independently of the exercise group. Muscle strength and physical function improved in both groups, where the home-based program presented a high adherence rate, and the center-based program was more suitable to reverse the frailty status. In conclusion, a home-based exercise program is as effective as center based to improve strength, physical function, and to reverse frailty status.
Subject(s)
Exercise , Frail Elderly , Frailty , Aged , Exercise Therapy , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Muscle StrengthABSTRACT
The aims of this study were to compare the effects of a multicomponent exercise program provided at a center (CB) versus done part at home and part at a center (H+CB) on frailty status, strength, physical function, and gait of prefrail older women. Twenty-five women were randomly allocated into the CB (n = 14; 69 ± 6 years) and the H+CB (n = 11; 69 ± 7 years) groups. Both groups completed an exercise program including strengthening, balance, and gait exercises. The program was 12 weeks long, done three times per week, for 60 min per session. Frailty, knee and hip muscle strength, spatiotemporal parameters of the usual and maximum speed dual-task gait, and physical function were assessed at baseline and after program completion. The exercise program reversed the prefrail status of most participants independently of the mode of delivery. Strength increased in both groups, but the CB group had more pronounced improvements in gait and physical function. H+CB exercise programs are good options for prefrail older women.
