Functional mobility and physical fitness are improved through a multicomponent training program in institutionalized older adults.

Abstract

Physical exercise has demonstrated its efectiveness in the management of the deleterious process of aging. However, it is less studied in institutionalized elderly people. This investigation aims to clarify the benefts of a multicomponent training program in institutionalized older adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with institutionalized older adults (≥70 years old). Intervention group (IG; N=18) were submitted to a multicomponent training program based on muscle power training and interval endurance exercise, 2 times/week for 12 weeks. Control group (CG; N=16) continued their usual mobility exercises. Independence was estimated with the Barthel index, and physical ftness and functional