Impact of a home-based nutrition and exercise intervention in improving functional capacity associated with falls among rural seniors in Canada

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Ahead of Print. Purpose A six-month randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the impact of a home-based nutrition and exercise intervention on functional capacity to prevent falls among rural seniors. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach Men and women (n=134), aged 60 and older were assigned to one of four groups: exercise, nutrition, exercise-nutrition and control. Participants in the exercise and exercise-nutrition groups performed a home-based exercise program (Home Support Exercise Program), and the nutrition and exercise-nutrition groups received a liquid nutritional supplement (Ensure ®) for six months. Participants were assessed at baseline and six months on functional mobility, balance, flexibility and endurance. Findings There were significant group differences over time for functional reach and the Timed Up and Go test, with significant differences existing between exercis e and nutrition-exercise and exercise and nutrition groups, respectively. Overall, the exercise group out-performed the other groups in terms of functional capacity and psychological well-being. Research limitations/implications Improvement of functional health among rural seniors is achievable th rough the delivery of a home-based intervention focusing on exercise and nutrition. Practical implications The study also shows that the effective delivery of an intervention to successfully address a fundamental and persi...
Source: Quality in Ageing and Older Adults - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research