A Study about a New Standardized Method of Home-Based Exercise in Elderly People Aged 65 and Older to Improve Motor Abilities and Well-Being: Feasibility, Functional Abilities and Strength Improvements

Abstract

Background: To verify the effects in terms of feasibility, strength and functional abilities of a standardized exercise training method that is partially supported (home training), with the aim of improving motor abilities and well-being. Methods: A total of 67 participants underwent two sessions per week for 12 weeks for the program, based on 8 sequences with specific body part targets, with each sequence made up of 9 exercises. Outcome measures: Recording of training session data, Chair Test, Hand Grip Test, Timed Up-and-Go Test, Stork Balance Test, Sit-and-Reach Test, VAS, Perceived Physical Exertion. Results: In total, 97% of the sample were “adherent” (more than 70% of the prescribed treatments performed). The rate of adverse events was infrequent (only 8). Chair Test +31%, Hand Grip Test +6%, Timed Up-and-Go Test −17%, Stork Balance Test +65%, Sit-and-Reach Test +55%, VAS −34%, Perceived Physical Exertion −69%. Conclusions: Home training has good feasibility (adherence, tolerability, safety) and cost-effectiveness ratio and improves both strength and functional abilities, which, in turns, helps to improve motor abilities and well-being.

Actividad física en el hogar para mejorar la fuerza y equilibrio en el adulto mayor para prevenir el riesgo de caídas. Revisión Bibliográfica (Physical activity at home to improve strength and balance in the elderly to prevent the risk of falls. Bibliographic Review)

“…Por otro lado, se evidenciaron que el entrenamiento domiciliario tiene una buena viabilidad y relación costo-efectividad, ya que mejora la fuerza, las capacidades funcionales y el bienestar del adulto mayor como el programa gLiFE y el programa HOP-UP-PT el cual fomentan la actividad física y la independencia de la persona al realizar las actividades de la vida diaria, siendo estos programas beneficiosos, efectivos y seguros para realizarlos en el hogar, sin necesidad de ayuda externa (Arena et al, 2021;Jansen et al, 2021;Melchiorri et al, 2022;Rodrigues et al, 2022). Del mismo modo se identificaron estudios que implementan un sistema de seguridad y ergonomía en el hogar como barandillas o antideslizantes además del programa de ejercicios para la prevención de caídas en adultos mayores, como son el programa LIVE-LiFE, el programa McHeELP (Motor Control Home Ergonomics Elderlies' Prevention of Falls) (Stasi et al, 2021a(Stasi et al, , 2021bSzanton et al, 2021).…”

The effect of a mixed circuit training on muscle synthesis’s indices, neurotrophic factors, and physical fitness in elderly women: A randomized controlled trial

“…The body mass index (BMI) was calculated using a simple formula, which is equal to dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. The Strok balance test (35), 2-minute step test (36), and 250-meter course test (36) were used to measure balance, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular endurance respectively. Three familiarization sessions with the training protocol and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) estimation were then conducted in a gym.…”

A Narrative Inquiry on Learners of Home-Based Exercise

“…And vigorous exercise is only for those experts who can suppose limits [23]. Achieving a progressive improvement makes home-based exercise more effective [48].…”