The effect of functional circuit training on physical frailty in frail older adults: a randomized controlled trial.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a 12-wk functional circuit-training program (FCT) could alter markers of physical frailty in a group of frail community-dwelling adults. Fifty-one individuals (31 women, 20 men), mean age (± SD) 84 (± 2.9) yr, met frailty criteria and were randomly assigned into groups (FCT = 26, control group [CG] = 25). FCT underwent a 12-wk exercise program. CG met once a week for health education meetings. Measures of physical frailty, function, strength, balance, and gait speed were assessed at Weeks 0, 12, and 36. Physical-frailty measures in FCT showed significant (p < .05) improvements relative to those in CG (Barthel Index at Weeks 0 and 36: 73.41 (± 2.35) and 77.0 (± 2.38) for the FCT and 70.79 (± 2.53) and 66.73 (± 2.73) for the CG. These data indicate that an FCT program is effective in improving measures of function and reducing physical frailty among frail older adults.
Giné-Garriga
Maria
M
Dept. of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain.
Guerra
Miriam
M
Pagès
Esther
E
Manini
Todd M
TM
Jiménez
Rosario
R
Unnithan
Viswanath B
VB
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D004856:Postural Balance; D055070:Resistance Training