Does a Multicomponent Exercise Program Improve Physical Fitness in Older Adults? Findings From a 5-Year Longitudinal Study

Abstract

The objective was to assess the physical fitness of older adults participating in a 5-year multicomponent exercise program. The sample consisted of 138 older adults aged 60–93 years (70.4 ± 7.8 years) evaluated with the Senior Fitness Test (muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness). The multicomponent program was carried out between the months of March and November of each year. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (factor year: Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, and Year 5; factor time: pretest and posttest) with Bonferroni’s post hoc test. Participation in the multicomponent exercise program for 5 years (baseline pretest Year 1 and follow-up Year 5) improved lower and upper limb strength, lower limb flexibility, and balance and cardiorespiratory fitness, while upper limb flexibility was maintained. Year-by-year analysis revealed variable patterns for each fitness parameter. The results of this study show the potential benefits of implementing a long-term community-based exercise program.

Exploring Potential Benefits of Accumulated Multicomponent-Training in Non-Active Older Adults: From Physical Fitness to Mental Health

“…MCT, defined as a physical exercise program that contains aerobic and resistance exercises, balance, motor control, and mobility stimulation [38], is focused on comprehensive responses in the subject in addition to an overall systemic activation [39]. Consequently, these exercise interventions improve cardiorespiratory fit-ness, neuromuscular function, health-related quality of life, and body composition [40][41][42][43]. Furthermore, the addition of cognitive demands to physical exercise constitutes a better strategy to improve not only physical, but also cognitive outcomes, compared to training programs with an isolated physical capacity [44,45].…”

Telerehabilitation program for older adults on a waiting list for physical therapy after hospital discharge: study protocol for a pragmatic randomized trial protocol

“…The TG will receive a multi-component intervention that includes resistance exercises targeting the main muscle groups of the lower and upper limbs, and balance exercises. There are strong recommendations for the use of this type of intervention, showing improvement in clinical outcomes in older adults, such as reducing falls and increasing muscle strength and mobility [ 2 , 17 – 19 , 44 , 45 ]. These exercises are easy to perform, do not require special equipment or accessories, and were designed for execution without professional supervision.…”

Effectiveness of a 3-month antifalling program in the mobility, balance confidence, and muscle performance of older adults

“…The training program designed for the participants included multicomponent exercises, that is, a combination of strength, aerobic, balance, and flexibility exercises. Several studies found that multicomponent exercises are safe and effective for older individuals living in a community ( Gonçalves et al, 2021 ; Suzuki et al, 2013 ) or institution ( Justine and Hamid, 2010 ). Table 1 summarizes the exercise training program implemented for the participants.…”