The Performance Enhancement Project: improving physical performance in older persons.
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.
King
Mary B
MB
Hartford Hospital Geriatric Program, CT 06106, USA. mking@harthosp.org
Whipple
Robert H
RH
Gruman
Cynthia A
CA
Judge
James O
JO
Schmidt
Julia A
JA
Wolfson
Leslie I
LI
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