Effects of a Group Exercise Program on Risk Factors for Falls in Frail Older Adults

1994 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen F. Binder ◽  
Marybeth Brown ◽  
Suzanne Craft ◽  
Kenneth B. Schechtman ◽  
Stanley J. Birge
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Group Exercise ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Fifteen community dwelling older adults, ages 66 to 97 years, with at least one risk factor for recurrent falls, attended a thrice weekly group exercise class for 8 weeks. In post- versus preexercise comparisons, knee extensor torque at 0°/sec increased by 16.5% (p= 0.055); time to perform the stand-up test once, and five times consecutively, improved by 29.4 and 27.4%, respectively (p= 0.05,p= 0.01); gait speed for 24 feet increased by 16.5% (p< 0.001); and performance of the progressive Romberg test of balance improved with a mean increase of 1.1 ± 0.9 positions (p= 0.001). Participants reported a significant increase in the mean number of times per week that they went out of their apartment/home independent of exercising, and a significant increase in the mean number of city blocks they could walk. Performance data for nine exercise participants at 1-yr postintervention are presented. A low- to moderate-intensity groups exercise program can effect improvements in lower extremity strength, gait speed, balance, and self-reported mobility function in frail older adults.

scholarly journals Factors influencing Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Singapore: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Giovanna De Roza ◽  
David Wei Liang Ng ◽  
Blessy Koottappal Mathew ◽  
Teena Jose ◽  
Ling Jia Goh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Clinical Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract BackgroundFalls in older adults is a common problem worldwide. Fear of falling (FoF) is a consequence of falls which has far-reaching implications including activity restriction, functional decline and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with FoF in a segment of Singapore’s community-dwelling older adults. MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of adults aged 65 and above from 4 primary care clinics from September 2020 to March 2021. Data were collected on demographic factors and clinical factors including history of falls and frailty as determined by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). FoF was measured using the Short Falls Efficacy Scale–International (Short FES-I), cut-off score of 14 and above indicated high FoF. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of high FoF.ResultsOut of 360 older adults, 78.1% were Chinese and 59.7% females. The mean age was 78.3 years and 76 (21.1%) had a history of falls in the past six months. Almost half (43.1%) were mildly to moderately frail and most (80.6%) had three or more chronic conditions. The mean FoF score was 15.5 (SD 5.97) and 60.8% reported high FoF. Logistic regression found that Malay ethnicity (OR = 5.81, 95% CI 1.77 – 19.13), use of walking aids (OR = 3.67, 95% CI = 1.54 – 8.77) and increasing frailty were significant predictors for high FoF. The odds of high FoF were significantly higher in pre frail older adults (OR = 6.87, 95% CI = 2.66 – 17.37), mildly frail older adults (OR =18.58, 95% CI = 4.88 – 70.34) and moderately frail older adults (OR = 144.78, 95% CI = 13.86 – 1512.60).ConclusionsFoF is a prevalent and compelling issue in community-dwelling older adults, particularly those with frailty. The demographic and clinical factors identified in this study will be helpful to develop targeted and tailored interventions for FoF.

scholarly journals 257 Participants’ Experience of a Novel Group Exercise Program: Results from the DEFRAIL (Diet and Exercise for Frailty) Study Pilot

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii17-iii65
Author(s):  
Pádraig Bambrick ◽  
Niamh Phelan ◽  
Thomas Byrne ◽  
Clare McMahon ◽  
George Pope ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Group Exercise ◽  
Joint Injury ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
Translational Study ◽  
Diet And Exercise ◽  
Additional Feedback

Abstract Background DEFRAIL (Diet and Exercise for Frailty) is a translational study examining the effect of an eight-week multicomponent group exercise program and protein supplementation on frailty in older adults. As part of the development of this novel intervention, a four-week pilot was carried out to assess participants’ experience of the program, with a view to optimising the final format. Methods Inclusion in the DEFRAIL study requires a candidate to be deemed frail as per the Fried criteria. During the initial stages of recruitment for DEFRAIL, any individual who was identified as pre-frail was offered the opportunity to participate in the pilot trial (11 x 1-hour group sessions at a local sporting facility). Following its conclusion, a telephone interview using a standardised questionnaire was conducted on all participants to assess various aspects of their experience. Results Of 9 participants recruited for the pilot, 7 completed the four-week program (One participant failed to attend any sessions due to difficulties with transport and one participant withdrew after the first week, reporting excessive fatigue as the main issue). Amongst these 7 individuals, attendance was 90.9%. The only other adverse events recorded were delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in 4 out of 7 and aggravation of a pre-existing joint injury in one individual (neither of which prevented participation in subsequent classes). All attendees reporting enjoying the program with additional feedback obtained via the questionnaire regarding the timing, duration, frequency and intensity of classes, in addition to identifying potential barriers or enablers to participation. Conclusion This pilot of a novel exercise program for older adults was enjoyed and well-tolerated by pre-frail older adults. Participant feedback, both during the pilot and through a standardised questionnaire following completion, has had a meaningful impact on the final version of the exercise program that will be used for frail older adults in the DEFRAIL intervention.

“Are Your Clients Having Fun?” The Implications of Respondents’ Preferences for the Delivery of Group Exercise Programs for Falls Prevention

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy McPhate ◽  
Emily M. Simek ◽  
Terry P. Haines ◽  
Keith D. Hill ◽  
Caroline F. Finch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Group Exercise ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Framework Approach

Background:Group exercise has been shown to be effective in preventing falls; however, adherence to these interventions is often poor. Older adults’ preferences for how these programs can be delivered are unknown.Objective:To identify older people’s preferences for how group exercise programs for falls prevention can be delivered.Design:A two-wave, cross-sectional, state-wide telephone survey was undertaken. Respondents were community-dwelling men and women aged 70+ in Victoria, Australia.Methods:Open-ended questions were asked to elicit information regarding respondent preferences of the program, which were analyzed using a framework approach.Results:Ninetyseven respondents completed the follow-up survey. The results indicate that older adults most frequently report the short-term advantages and disadvantages when describing their preferences for group exercise, such as enjoyment, social interaction, and leader qualities. Longer-term advantages such as falls prevention were described less frequently.Conclusions:This study indicates the importance of interpersonal skills, and that the opportunity for social interaction should not be overlooked as a positive feature of a group exercise program.

Community Exercise Program for Older Adults Recovering from Hip Fracture: A Pilot Study

2006 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth R. Jones ◽  
Jennifer M. Jakobi ◽  
Albert W. Taylor ◽  
Rob J. Petrella ◽  
Anthony A. Vandervoort
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Functional Mobility

Community-based rehabilitative exercise programs might be an effective means to improve functional outcomes for hip-fracture patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community exercise program (CEP) for older adults recovering from hip fracture. Twenty-five older adults (mean age 80.0 ± 6.0 years; 24 women; 71 ± 23 days post–hip fracture) participated in this pilot study (17 exercise, 8 control). The CEP involved functional stepping and lower extremity–strengthening exercises. Control participants received only standard outpatient therapy. Measures of functional mobility, balance confidence, falls efficacy, lower extremity strength, and daily physical activity were evaluated at baseline and at 16 weeks. Improvements for self-reported physical activity, mobility, balance, and knee-extensor strength were observed for the CEP group. This study demonstrated that a CEP is beneficial for community-dwelling older adults post–hip fracture.

Effects of Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Functional Abilities of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

1995 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne F. Nichols ◽  
Lori M. Hitzelberger ◽  
Jennifer G. Sherman ◽  
Patricia Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Functional Abilities ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Weight Trainers ◽  
Shoulder Strength ◽  
And Control ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

This study examined the efficacy of a progressive resistance exercise program, using equal concentric/eccentric (CE) or greater eccentric/concentric (GE) workloads, for increasing strength and improving functional abilities of community-dwelling older adults. Sixty men and women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: CE, GE, or control. All strength testing and training took place on six Lifecircuit machines. Functional tests included a bas carry, weighted stair climb, shelf task 1-RM, and static balance. Significant interactions in strength tests were noted for the chest, back, and shoulder exercises. GE improved in shoulder strength more than CE and control For functional measures, all weight trainers were grouped and compared to controls. A significant interaction occurred for the stair climb and balance with the exercise groups decreasing stair climb time by 11% and increasing balance time by 26%. Relative improvements by weight trainers of 12% for the shelf task and 7% for the bag carry were not significant. These data indicate that a moderate intensity resistance program can have positive effects on tasks required for everyday function.

The Effect of Functional Circuit Training on Physical Frailty in Frail Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Giné-Garriga ◽  
Míriam Guerra ◽  
Esther Pagès ◽  
Todd M. Manini ◽  
Rosario Jiménez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Frailty ◽  
Circuit Training ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Frailty Criteria

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a 12-wk functional circuit-training program (FCT) could alter markers of physical frailty in a group of frail community-dwelling adults. Fifty-one individuals (31 women, 20 men), mean age (±SD) 84 (± 2.9) yr, met frailty criteria and were randomly assigned into groups (FCT = 26, control group [CG] = 25). FCT underwent a 12-wk exercise program. CG met once a week for health education meetings. Measures of physical frailty, function, strength, balance, and gait speed were assessed at Weeks 0, 12, and 36. Physical-frailty measures in FCT showed significant (p< .05) improvements relative to those in CG (Barthel Index at Weeks 0 and 36: 73.41 (± 2.35) and 77.0 (± 2.38) for the FCT and 70.79 (± 2.53) and 66.73 (± 2.73) for the CG. These data indicate that an FCT program is effective in improving measures of function and reducing physical frailty among frail older adults.

Development of an Exercise Program for the Frail Elderly

2001 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marijke J.M. Chin A Paw ◽  
Nynke de Jong ◽  
Martin Stevens ◽  
Petrus Bult ◽  
Evert G. Schouten
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Frail Elderly ◽  
Motor Behavior ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
And Performance

The article describes the design and preliminary evaluation of a 17-week, twice-weekly, comprehensive, progressive exercise program for frail elderly adults. The main objective was to maintain or improve mobility and performance of daily activities essential for independent functioning. Strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, and coordination were trained by walking, kneeling, and chair stands, performed in the context of motor behavior such as games and daily activities. The acceptability of the exercise program was evaluated in a population of community-dwelling, frail older adults (mean age 77.6 ± 5.4 years). Eighty-one percent completed the program. Program appreciation and attendance were high. Seventy-three percent reported wanting to continue participating if possible—although most only once a week. At follow-up (1–1.5 years afterward) 30% were still participating in an exercise program. The exercise program was enjoyed and accepted by a population of frail, previously sedentary elderly adults. Widespread implementation of this program could increase physical activity among frail older adults.

scholarly journals Multicomponent Exercise on Physical Function, Cognition and Hemodynamic Parameters of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 2184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan de Oliveira Gonçalves ◽  
Alexandre Nunes Bandeira ◽  
Hélio José Coelho-Júnior ◽  
Samuel da Silva Aguiar ◽  
Samuel Minucci Camargo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Experimental Study ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Hemodynamic Parameters ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Walking Speeds ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

This paper reports on a quasi-experimental study that aimed to identify changes in muscle function (i.e., mobility, maximal walking speed, lower limb muscle strength, balance, and transfer capacity), cognition (i.e., executive function) and hemodynamic parameters of community-dwelling Brazilian older adults during a six-month multicomponent exercise program (MCEP). A total of 436 community-dwelling older adults performed functional, cognitive and hemodynamic assessments before and after a six-month MCEP. The program of exercise was performed twice a week over 26 weeks at moderate intensity. Results indicate that balance, mobility (i.e., usual and maximal walking speeds) and transfer capacity (p < 0.05) were significantly improved after the MCEP. Moreover, all hemodynamic parameters (i.e., systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures), except for heart rate (p > 0.05), were significantly reduced after the intervention. The current findings indicate that a six-month MCEP may provide physical and hemodynamic benefits in community-dwelling older adults. Nevertheless, our findings need to be confirmed in larger samples and better designed studies.

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