title: The Performance Enhancement Project: improving physical performance in older persons.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effects of center-based exercise on physical performance in older persons at risk for decline in physical functioning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Senior centers.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 155 community-dwelling persons, 78.7% women, ages 70 years and older (mean +/- standard deviation, 77.0+/-4.5y), with mobility impairments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intervention volunteers (n=80) exercised at a center (endurance, strength, balance, flexibility) 3 times weekly, for months 1 to 6; once weekly, for months 7 to 12 with home exercise 2 sessions a week; and at home only, for months 13 to 18. Home control volunteers (n=75) were instructed in home endurance exercise.
  
  
  METHODS
  MacArthur battery, Physical Performance Test (PPT-8), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MacArthur battery scores improved in intervention compared with home control at 3, 6, and 12 months (repeated-measures analysis of variance: group x time, P<.05) but not 18 months. PPT-8 and 6MWT did not improve. Intervention group assignment, younger age, and better baseline physical function and self-perceived health were independent predictors of long-term MacArthur battery score improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Compared with home control, center-based exercise improved gait, chair rise time, and balance over 1 year. Improvements were not sustained with transition to home exercise for months 13 to 18. Classes may be necessary to maintain improvements in older persons attending center-based exercise.
authors.affiliation: Hartford Hospital Geriatric Program, CT 06106, USA. mking@harthosp.org
authors.forename: Mary B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Robert H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Whipple
authors.forename: Cynthia A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Gruman
authors.forename: James O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Judge
authors.forename: Julia A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: Leslie I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Wolfson
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010809:Physical Fitness