Once a week not enough, twice a week not feasible? A randomised controlled exercise trial in long-term care facilities [ISRCTN87177281].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of three different training protocols on physical function of older adults living in long-term care facilities. Emphasis was placed on feasibility in real-life situations.


METHODS
Subjects (N=224) were randomised to 6 months of twice weekly (1) resistance training; (2) all-round functional-skills training; (3) a combination of both; or (4) a control program. Fitness and performance measures and self-reported disability were measured at baseline and after 24 weeks intervention.


RESULTS
Attendance to the strength training was 76%, to the functional-skills training 70% and to the combined training 73%. In those who attended at least 75% of all classes (n=97) the functional-skills and combined training program improved several fitness and performance measures compared to the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Twice weekly functional-skills training, or a combination of resistance and functional-skills training can improve several fitness and performance measures of institutionalised older people.


CONCLUSIONS
An important finding from our study was that less than twice a week exercise training is not enough for functional improvement, while it proved difficult for the elderly subjects to exercise twice weekly. Education on the health benefits of regular exercise, and a larger availability of classes in long-term care facilities may improve attendance.
Chin A Paw
Marijke J M
MJ
Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, Department of Public and Occupational Health, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. M.Chinapaw@vumc.nl
van Poppel
Mireille N M
MN
Twisk
Jos W R
JW
van Mechelen
Willem
W
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000886:Anthropometry; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014891:Weight Lifting