The impact of an exercise intervention using low-cost equipment on functional fitness in the community-dwelling older adults: A pilot study

Abstract

Exercise interventions have shown significant improvements in the older adult population regarding functional and cognitive capacity. However, much research has applied exercise protocols that are expensive both for research and participation. Thus, high investments that are made are currently not ecologically efficient. The aim of the study was to determine whether the impact of a 20-week multicomponent exercise intervention using low-cost material could improve physical fitness in community-dwelling older adults. We tested the feasibility of this three times per week exercise protocol using an inclusive approach. Eligibility criteria included age ≥65 years, the ability to stand and walk with or without assistive devices, being physically inactive; medical clearance, and living in the community. Outcomes were muscle resistance measured using the chair-stand test for lower limbs, cardiorespiratory capacity measured using the 6-min walk test, and agility and balance using the Timed-up and Go test. Flexibility was measured using the chair sit and reach for lower limbs and the back scratch for upper limbs using the dominant leg and arm, respectively. Hand grip strength was measured using a dynamometer. Thirty participants (n = 30) were recruited and included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The mean age of participants was 70 years (±3.62 years), 100% were Caucasians, and 50% were female. There was a significant trend toward a clinically important improvement in the chair-stand (t = −5.23; p < 0.001; d = 0.36), arm curl (t = −5.21; p < 0.001; d = 0.74), 6-min walk test (t = −4.69; p = <0.001; d = 0.77), timed-up and go test (t = 8.788; p < 0.001; d = 1.18), and hand grip strength (t = 2.846; p = 0.009; d = 0.23). There were also differences in the back scratch (t = 2.243; p = 0.035; d = 0.29) and chair sit and reach test (t = −3.380; p < 0.001; d = 0.15). This pilot study has provided preliminary evidence that a 20-week community-based low-cost exercise program may be effective in improving overall functional fitness in older people. The pilot trial has provided the necessary data to design future randomized-controlled trials that can be implemented in the community in an ecological feasible manner.

Effects of a 24-Week Low-Cost Multicomponent Exercise Program on Health-Related Functional Fitness in the Community-Dwelling Aged and Older Adults

“…In addition, current results support those described in a recent meta-analysis [ 41 ] showing the importance of multiple sets in producing benefits in muscle strength. Multicomponent exercise programs that include strength training appear to improve upper and lower limb strength if stimuli are maintained across time [ 9 , 42 , 43 ]. It is important to note that the exercise intensity of strength training was tailored to the individual’s physical abilities and limitations and that proper instruction and supervision were recommended, since the exercise physiologist controlled exercise intensity.…”

“…Community programs that provide exercise interventions may be helpful in allowing the elderly to live independently with enough physical and functional fitness [ 9 ]. These programs are frequently offered primarily for research reasons, with pre-determined inclusion requirements, and they stop when data collection is complete.…”

“…Thus, by considerably improving physiological and psychological results, it is expected that the quality of life will improve as well [ 21 ], with the goal of increasing or maintaining independent living and autonomy [ 5 , 22 ]. However, the majority of documented interventions include resistance training and/or cardiorespiratory training with expensive equipment that requires expenditures that are not always available for community objectives [ 9 , 23 ]. Other limitations include the small sample size, the investigation of exclusively older adults, neglecting those individuals transitioning from adulthood to elderly age, and the lack of a pattern in the distribution of the exercise regimes, given that some studies prioritized resistance training [ 9 ], while others prioritized gait exercises [ 17 ].…”

“…However, the majority of documented interventions include resistance training and/or cardiorespiratory training with expensive equipment that requires expenditures that are not always available for community objectives [ 9 , 23 ]. Other limitations include the small sample size, the investigation of exclusively older adults, neglecting those individuals transitioning from adulthood to elderly age, and the lack of a pattern in the distribution of the exercise regimes, given that some studies prioritized resistance training [ 9 ], while others prioritized gait exercises [ 17 ]. In addition, the objective of community exercise programs should prioritize the continuation of the exercise after the completion of the research for community-dwelling aged and older adults to have an opportunity to increase health-related fitness.…”

“…This could be associated with the fact that authors may assume that other researchers are familiar with the general exercise protocols and only include essential details for the specific study. Additionally, various studies have tested exercise intervention exclusively in the elderly, excluding those that are transitioning to this age phase [ 9 , 10 ]. This gap should be tested as a means to provide the validity of the same exercise program for both older adults and those approaching this age group.…”