Home Exercise Interventions in Frail Older Adults

AbstractPurpose of ReviewFrailty is characterized by decreased physiological reserve and increased risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and mortality. Frail older adults may benefit from exercise interventions targeting their multiple problems and functional deficits; however, most research focuses on center-based interventions, which may present accessibility challenges for frail older adults. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the most recently published home-based exercise interventions for frail older adults living at home.Recent FindingsEight manuscripts met inclusion criteria. Research interventions consisted of a variety of modes (strength, strength/nutrition, strength/flexibility/balance/endurance), duration (12  weeks to 6 months), frequency (2–7 days/week), and delivery methods (volunteer-led, videos on a tablet, manuals/brochures). Investigators examined the effects of home-based exercise on a variety of outcomes to include feasibility, frailty status, physical performance, lean body mass, skeletal muscle mass, other physiological outcomes, mental health, nutritional status, and incidence of falls in frail.SummaryThis review demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of home-based exercise interventions to improve frailty, functional performance, nutritional status, and incidence of falls in frail older adults. However, the limited literature available provides conflicting reports regarding benefits for mental health outcomes and ...
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research