Effects of multicomponent exercise training intervention on hemodynamic and physical function in older residents of long-term care facilities: A multicenter randomized clinical controlled trial

Abstract

To assess hemodynamic and physical function responses during a two-month multicomponent group exercise program (MCEP) in residents of long-term care facilities. 40 older long-term care residents were randomly allocated equally to an intervention (IG; n=20; 80±7 years) and control group (CG; n=20; 79±7 years); they all submitted to hemodynamic (blood pressure and heart rate) and functional assessments before and after the MCEP. The IG performed a twice-weekly, two-months multicomponent exercise program composed of functional mobility, balance, muscle strength, and flexibility exercises; while the CG did not perform any exercise intervention. There was a statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (7.25±14.64mmHg; t=2.2; effect size=0.34; p<0.05) following a two-month MCEP as compared with baseline. In all functional measurements (balance, mobility) were significantly improved after the MCEP (p<0.05). These data indicate that a two-month MCEP can improve systolic blood pressure and functionality in older residents of long-term care facilities.