[Physical training as treatment of reduced functional ability in frail 75+ year-olds living at home. A randomized intervention study in general practice with technological assessment elements].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to establish the value of physical training as a treatment of reduced physical ability in frail, elderly patients living at home.


METHODS
46 community-dwelling frail elderly patients (> 74 years) participated in a randomised, controlled intervention study. The intervention group was transported to training, whilst the control group was not activated. All had their physical functional ability determined using SF-36, Berg's Balance Scale, 10 m walking test and muscle strength test.


RESULTS
The intervention group had a significant improvement in functional ability measured by means of Berg's Balance Scale, walking test, muscle strength test and SF-36 (p < 0.01) compared with the control group. The average cost per patient was estimated at 121 DKK per training session, equivalent to 1452 DKK for a 12-week training period.


CONCLUSIONS
The establishing of a "multi-component-training" as a treatment offer, to which general practitioners could refer their patients, would involve some costs, but savings due to reduced nursing care can be expected.
Vad
Esther
E
Forskningsenheden for Almen Medicin i Odense, Syddansk Universitet, Winsløwparken 19, DK-5000 Odense C.
Worm
Charlotte
C
Lauritsen
Jens M
JM
Poulsen
Peter Bo
PB
Puggaard
Lis
L
Støvring
Henrik
H
Kragstrup
Jakob
J
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology; D005684:Gait; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science; D014853:Walkers