MultiComponent Exercise and theRApeutic lifeStyle (CERgAS) intervention to improve physical performance and maintain independent living among urban poor older people--a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Debbie Ann Loh,Robert G Cumming,Ai Sean Chu,Pek Ling Lee,Shathanapriya Kandiben,Farizah Mohd Hairi,Wan Yuen Choo,Zohaib Akram,Norlissa Gani,Awang Bulgiba,Noran Naqiah Hairi,Devi Peramalah,Mohd Alif Idham Abd Hamid,Mohamed Faris Madzlan

doi:10.1186/s12877-015-0002-7

Abstract

BackgroundThe ability of older people to function independently is crucial as physical disability and functional limitation have profound impacts on health. Interventions that either delay the onset of frailty or attenuate its severity potentially have cascading benefits for older people, their families and society. This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a multiComponent Exercise and theRApeutic lifeStyle (CERgAS) intervention program targeted at improving physical performance and maintaining independent living as compared to general health education among older people in an urban poor setting in Malaysia.MethodsThis cluster randomised controlled trial will be a 6-week community-based intervention programme for older people aged 60 years and above from urban poor settings. A minimum of 164 eligible participants will be recruited from 8 clusters (low-cost public subsidised flats) and randomised to the intervention and control arm. This study will be underpinned by the Health Belief Model with an emphasis towards self-efficacy. The intervention will comprise multicomponent group exercise sessions, nutrition education, oral care education and on-going support and counselling. These will be complemented with a kit containing practical tips on exercise, nutrition and oral care after each session. Data will be collected over four time points; at baseline, immediately post-intervention, 3-months and 6-months follow-up.DiscussionFindings from this trial will potentially provide valuable evidence to improve physical function and maintain independence among older people from low-resource settings. This will inform health policies and identify locally acceptable strategies to promote healthy aging, prevent and delay functional decline among older Malaysian adults.Trial registrationISRCTN22749696.

Highlights

The ability of older people to function independently is crucial as physical disability and functional limitation have profound impacts on health
Frailty is increasingly frequent with advancing age, resulting in a spiral of physical and functional decline
This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a multiComponent Exercise and theRApeutic lifeStyle (CERgAS) intervention program targeted at improving physical performance and maintaining independent living as compared to general health education among older people in an urban poor setting

Summary

Introduction

The ability of older people to function independently is crucial as physical disability and functional limitation have profound impacts on health. This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a multiComponent Exercise and theRApeutic lifeStyle (CERgAS) intervention program targeted at improving physical performance and maintaining independent living as compared to general health education among older people in an urban poor setting in Malaysia. The ability to function independently is crucial, as physical disability and functional limitation have profound impacts on public health in terms of healthcare utilisation and long-term healthcare costs and services. Frail older people are vulnerable to falls, physical disability, loss of independence in performing activities of daily living (ADL), hospitalisation, institutionalisation, increased healthcare costs and mortality [3,4,5]. Risk factors for frailty in elderly people include comorbidities, physical and psychosocial health, environmental conditions, social factors, nutrition and lifestyle [6]

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Conclusion