title: A Multicomponent Exercise Program for Older Adults Living in Residential Care Facilities: Direct and Indirect Effects on Physical Functioning.
abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the direct and indirect effects of a multicomponent exercise (MCE) program on mobility and balance in institutionalized older people. One hundred and twelve subjects (85 women; 83.0 years on average; SD = 7.5) were included in the study, and divided into a MCE-group (MCE-G) and a control group (CG) according to matching techniques. The MCE-G consisted of a 9-month program featuring range-of-motion, strength, and balance exercises performed in small groups. The CG received routine medical and nursing care. The timed up-and-go test and Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment balance subscale were administered at baseline and postintervention. After controlling for physical baseline value, age, sex, residential care facilities, and body mass index, the MCE-G showed positive effects both on mobility (p < .001) and balance (p = .001). The role of balance as mediator in the relationship between participation to the MCE program and mobility was demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mulasso
authors.forename: Mattia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roppolo
authors.forename: Monica Emma
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Liubicich
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Settanni
authors.forename: Emanuela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rabagliett
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D012112:Residential Facilities; D016896:Treatment Outcome