Abstract
BackgroundIn recent years, there has been a significant change in the demographics of developed countries, including an increase in the number of older people. This aging population and the associated need for medical care and assistance places great strain on health care systems worldwide. In older populations, improved knowledge and understanding of the relationship between moderate exercise and health might result in greater motivation to engage in such activity; thus improving the overall health of this population. The aim of the proposed project is to assess the degree of improvement in functional performance through physical training with verbal stimulation, as well as the possibility of changing habitual ways of spending free time, in older people under institutional care.MethodsStudy participants aged 65–85 years, who are living a sedentary lifestyle in care homes in Southeast Poland, will be invited to participate in this randomized controlled trial. Those who meet the eligibility criteria and are enrolled in the study will be assigned at random to one of four parallel groups: (1) basic exercises combined with verbal stimulation, (2) basic exercises without verbal stimulation, (3) functional exercise training with verbal stimulation, and (4) functional exercise training without verbal stimulation. Participants will engage in 30-min workouts, twice per week, for 12 weeks. Tests will be done: (1) before exercises, (2) after 12 weeks of exercises, (3) 12 weeks after the end of the exercises, and (4) 24 weeks after the exercises. Primary outcome measures will include the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Secondary outcomes will include the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the 10-Meter Walk test (10MWT), the Back Scratch (BS) test, the Chair Sit and Reach (CSR) test, the Grip Strength (GS), and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Other outcomes will include results regarding postural stability from the stabilometric platform and quality of life (SF-36).DiscussionOur study will help to determine the effectiveness of the training programs, particularly in relation to participants’ motivation to exercise.Trial registrationThe Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry, ID: SLCTR/2016/004. Registered on 12 February 2016.
Highlights
In recent years, there has been a significant change in the demographics of developed countries, including an increase in the number of older people
De Labra et al [55] and Cadore et al [56] demonstrated that, despite published evidence of the positive effects of exercise on physical fitness and quality of life in older populations, comparisons of the effectiveness of various exercise programs were necessary. They stated that such an investigation would provide comprehensive information on the impact of regular physical activity on the functional efficiency and stability of older people
As discussed in detail above, here we propose 12 weeks of intervention followed by 6 months of observation, which should demonstrate the impact of an exercise/motivation program on activity and use of free time in a senior population under institutional care
Summary
There has been a significant change in the demographics of developed countries, including an increase in the number of older people. This aging population and the associated need for medical care and assistance places great strain on health care systems worldwide. Projections foresee a growing number of persons aged 65 years and over, with a rapid increase in the proportion aged 85 years and over. These demographic developments are likely to have a considerable impact on the health care requirements of older people [1]. The adverse consequences of immobility and bed rest are well established; older residents living in care homes still spend most of their time in wheelchairs or in bed [6]
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