Physical Function in Older Adults, Body Composition
Conditions
Keywords
Older Adults, Multicomponent Exercise, Physical Fitness, Muscle Strength, Balance, Gait, Functional Mobility, Body Composition
Brief summary
This study evaluated the effects of a four-week supervised multicomponent exercise program on physical function and body composition in older adults. Participants were allocated non-randomly to an intervention group or a control group based on their ability to attend the scheduled training sessions. The intervention group completed eight supervised 30-minute exercise sessions over four weeks, while the control group maintained their usual daily activity and did not begin a new exercise program. Physical function, muscle strength, gait, static balance, body mass, and body composition were assessed at baseline and after four weeks.
Detailed description
This prospective, non-randomised controlled intervention study investigated the effects of a short-term multicomponent exercise program in older adults. Participants were allocated to either an intervention group or a control group according to their ability to attend the scheduled training sessions, primarily based on logistical factors such as place of residence and travel feasibility. The intervention consisted of eight supervised 30-minute training sessions performed twice weekly for four weeks. The program included exercises targeting muscle strength, mobility, balance, coordination, and functional performance. Exercise volume was progressively increased during the second half of the intervention by increasing the number of repetitions and sets. The control group received no additional exercise intervention and was instructed to maintain usual daily activity and not initiate a new exercise program during the study period. Assessments were performed at baseline and after four weeks and included muscle strength, functional mobility, gait, static balance, body mass, and body composition.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALMulticomponent Exercise Program
A supervised four-week multicomponent exercise program comprising eight 30-minute sessions performed twice weekly. The program included handgrip squeezing with a soft ball, hip flexion with a resistance band, glute bridges, single-leg stance with multidirectional reaching, supine trunk rotation, cervical spine mobility exercises, and stepping over an obstacle. The program was divided into two stages, with progression during weeks 3-4 achieved by increasing the number of repetitions and sets.
Sponsors
Poznan University of Physical Education
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
55 Years to 90 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Age 55-90 years Ability to ambulate independently without assistance from another person Ability to complete the full study protocol, including baseline and final assessments and, for the intervention group, participation in the four-week exercise program Provision of written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
Medical contraindications to physical exertion Cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, or musculoskeletal conditions that could prevent safe performance of the tests or exercises Musculoskeletal injury or surgery within the previous six months Substantial balance or gait impairments requiring continuous assistance from another person Cognitive impairment preventing comprehension of instructions
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Handgrip Strength | Baseline to 4 weeks | Change in mean bilateral handgrip strength measured with a digital hand dynamometer, expressed in kg. |
| Change in Isometric Hip Flexion Strength | Baseline to 4 weeks | Change in mean bilateral isometric hip flexion strength measured using an EasyForce dynamometer, expressed in kg. |
| Change in Isometric Hip Extension Strength | Baseline to 4 weeks | Change in mean bilateral isometric hip extension strength measured using an EasyForce dynamometer, expressed in kg. |
| Change in Timed Up and Go Test Time | Baseline to 4 weeks | Change in time required to complete the Timed Up and Go test, expressed in seconds. |
| Change in Step Length | Baseline to 4 weeks | Change in mean bilateral step length measured using the Zebris FDM-THQ instrumented treadmill, expressed in cm. |
| Change in COP Sway Area | Baseline to 4 weeks | Change in center-of-pressure sway area measured during 30-second quiet standing using a dual-plate posturographic platform, expressed in mm². |
| Change in Body Mass | Baseline to 4 weeks | Change in body mass measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, expressed in kg. |
| Change in Estimated Muscle Mass | Baseline to 4 weeks | Change in estimated muscle mass measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, expressed in kg. |
| Change in Fat Mass | Baseline to 4 weeks | Change in fat mass measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, expressed in kg. |
| Change in Bone Mass | Baseline to 4 weeks | Change in estimated bone mass measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, expressed in kg. |
Countries
Poland
Outcome results
None listed