Randomized Controlled Trial of Group Exercise Intervention for Fall Risk Factors Reduction in Nursing Home Residents
Garyfallia Pepera, Katerina Krinta, Christina Mpea, Varsamo Antoniou, Argirios Peristeropoulos, Zacharias Dimitriadis
Abstract
Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a multidimensional exercise intervention on improving fall risk deterrent factors, such as overall strength and flexibility in nursing home residents. Methods A multi-centre, randomized controlled trial was finally utilized in 40 older adults (>65 years) who were randomly allocated to the intervention or the control group (20 subjects in each). The intervention group attended an exercise program twice a week for eight weeks, to improve functional mobility. The control group did not receive any intervention. Measurements before and after intervention included the Hand Grip Strength (HGS) testing, the Sit-to-Stand test (SST), the Back Scratch Test (BST), and the Sit-and-Reach test (SRT). Results MANOVA revealed significant time effects, V = 0.336, F (6, 33) = 2.78, p = 0.027, partial η 2 = 0.336; group effects, V = 0.599, F (6, 33) = 8.22, p < 0.001, partial η 2 = 0.599; and group*time interaction, V = 0.908, F (6, 33) = 54.52, p < 0.001, partial η 2 = 0.908. A subsequent univariate analysis did not reveal a significant time effect for any variable ( p > 0.05). Significant group effects were observed only for SRT ( p < 0.05). Significant group*time interactions were observed for all the examined variables ( p < 0.05). Dependent t-tests showed that the older adults in the exercise group were significantly improved in all the examined parameters ( p < 0.05). Except for SRT ( p > 0.05), all the other parameters significantly deteriorated in the control group ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Significant improvements were demonstrated in strength and flexibility among nursing home residents following an eight-week group exercise training program.