Effects of a 12-Month Multicomponent Exercise Program on Physical Performance, Daily Physical Activity, and Quality of Life in Very Elderly People With Minor Disabilities: An Intervention Study

Background: Although Studies suggest that exercise training improves physical performance and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among elderly people, most of these studies have investigated relatively healthy persons. The objective of the present Study was to determine the effects of a 12-month multicomponent exercise program Oil physical performance, daily physical activity, and HRQOL among very elderly people with minor disabilities. Methods: The subjects consisted of 65 elders (median age: 84 years) who were certified to receive long-term care ill the form Of Support only or Level 1 care (the lowest level of care required); 31 were allocated to the intervention group and 34 to the control group. The intervention group participated in supervised exercises once a week far 12 months and in home-based exercises. The exercise program consisted of various exercises related to flexibility, Muscle strength, balance, and aerobic performance. Results: After 12 months of exercise training, the intervention group had significant improvements in lower-limb strength and oil the sit-and-reach test; these effects were not observed in the control group. The control group had significant decreases in grip strength, 6-minute walking distance, walking speed., and stride length; these decreases were not observed in the intervention group. No clear differences in HRQOL measurments or changes ill physical activity were detected between groups. Conclusions: The 12-month multicomponent exercise program may effectively improve and maintain the physical performance of very elderly individuals with minor disabilities.