Abstract
BackgroundThe Health Enhancing Strength Training in Nonagenarians (STRONG) is a randomised control trial to assess the effectiveness of an aerobic and strength training program for improving muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life in nonagenarians.MethodsSixty (51 women) nonagenarians (age range: 90–102 years) who live in a geriatric nursing home will be randomly assigned to either a usual care (control) group (n = 30) or an intervention (training) group (n = 30). Participants allocated in the usual care group will receive general physical activity guidelines and participants allocated in the intervention group will also enrol in three weekly non-consecutive individualized training sessions (~45–50 min each) during 8 weeks. The exercise program will consist of muscular strength [with a special focus on leg press at 30% (start of the program) to 70% 1 repetition maximum (end)] and aerobic exercises (cycle-ergometry during 3–5 to 15 minutes at 12–14 points in the rate of perceived exertion scale).ResultsResults from STRONG will help to better understand the potential of regular physical activity for improving the well-being of the oldest population groups.ConclusionThe increase in life expectancy together with the dramatic decrease in birth rates in industrialized countries calls the attention to health care systems and public health policymakers to focus attention on promoting healthy lifestyle in the highest sector of the population pyramid. Our study attempts to improve functional capacity and QOL of nonagenarians by implementing an individualised aerobic and strength training program in a geriatric residential care. Results from STRONG will help to better understand the potential of regular physical activity for improving the well being even in persons aged 90 years or over.Trail RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT00848978
Highlights
The Health Enhancing Strength Training in Nonagenarians (STRONG) is a randomised control trial to assess the effectiveness of an aerobic and strength training program for improving muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life in nonagenarians
Maintenance of adequate muscle mass and strength plays a key role in the prevention of numerous chronic diseases and in the ability to cope with activities of daily living (ADLs) [3,4]
Sarcopenia contributes to the decreased capacity for independent living and reduced ability to cope with ADLs and increases the burden for the caregiver and community [11]
Summary
The Health Enhancing Strength Training in Nonagenarians (STRONG) is a randomised control trial to assess the effectiveness of an aerobic and strength training program for improving muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life in nonagenarians. The fact that in western societies people are living longer is demanding the exploration of new roads to promote healthy ageing instead of merely treating the diseases of old age [1]. Maintenance of adequate muscle mass and strength plays a key role in the prevention of numerous chronic diseases and in the ability to cope with activities of daily living (ADLs) [3,4]. Functional capacity becomes more directly dependent on muscular fitness as these persons experience age-associated declines in muscle mass (i.e. sarcopenia) and in muscular strength. Sarcopenia contributes to the decreased capacity for independent living and reduced ability to cope with ADLs and increases the burden for the caregiver and community [11]. Already in the 80s, Bortz [12] indicated that many biological changes that are commonly attributed to ageing, e.g. sarcopenia, can be reverted, since they are mostly caused by disuse
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