The effects of different types of physical exercise on physical and cognitive function in frail institutionalized older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

The continuous increase in the life expectancy of older adults (elderly people) has generated interest in research into frail-aged people and their physical and mental well-being.

OBJECTIVES

To verify the different effects of two programs of physical exercise (strength training-TG, and callisthenic training-MG) on the cognitive state, functionality, stability and general health of frail-aged institutionalized older adults.

DESIGN

This study was a block randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

The study was conducted in geriatric units of the San Rosendo Foundation.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 77 institutionalized frail-aged people (70.1% female, aged 84.8±7.9) took part.

INTERVENTIONS

The TG carried out a strength program with therabands®; The MG performed an exercise program of multi-callisthenics, and the CG did not carry out any physical exercise.

MEASUREMENTS

The following measurements were used: Minimental test, Pfeiffer test, SF-12, Barthel test, Five times sit-to-stand and a pressure platform.

RESULTS

The TG program generated some improvement in cognitive state and functional independence, while in the physical and mental component of the S-12, significant improvement was generated. The program undertaken by MG demonstrated a tendency to the stabilization of the above mentioned parameters, while the GC demonstrated a tendency to deterioration.

CONCLUSION

Physical exercise, whether it be the strength program, or the multi-calisthenics program, is an effective method for improving and maintaining health, cognitive state, functional independence and stability in frail-aged institutionalized people.