Efecto de un protocolo de entrenamiento multicomponente en la calidad de vida, independencia y condición física de adultos mayores institucionalizados

Zusammenfassung

Introduction: Physical exercise has largely demonstrated its effectiveness in the management and treatment of the main health indicators related to the process of aging. However, physical exercise as therapeutic tool is underused and shows poor integration in clinical institutions and health systems, particularly those dealing with institutionalized older people. Likewise, the prescription and optimal administration of exercise in terms of dose, type of exercise, frequency, volume and intensity, is not fully confirmed at the moment. This research work aims to clarify the effectiveness of a multicomponent training program in institutionalized elderly patients on quality of life, independence and physical fitness. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal, randomized controlled trial was conducted. The intervention period was 12 weeks and was carried out at the Valle de la Oliva Residence (Aibertia Servicios Socio-Sanitarios), Majadahonda, Madrid. The study variable for quality of life were SF-12 health questionnaire, assessment of independence was evaluated with Barthel index and the Lawton and Brody scale and physical fitness was measured throughout hand grip strength dynamometry, lower limb muscle strength and power, walking speed (IOMWT), functional mobility (TUG), physical performance (SPPB), and ecdiotespiratory fitness (6'WT). The intervention group performed muscle power training of the lower limbs in addition to interval endurance exercise, 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The control group completed the usual protocol of gerontogymnastics based on mobility exercise carried out by the residence. Results: Compared with the control group, the exercise intervention improved functional mobility through the TUG -7.43 seconds (95% IC: 3.28, 11.59; p<0.001); confort and maximal walking speed through the 10MWT -5.19 seconds (95% IC: 1.41, 8.97; p=O.004) and -4.43 seconds (95% IC: 1.14 7.73; p=0.002), respectively; cardiorespiratory fitness measured with th 6'WT +54.54 meters (95% IC: 30.24, 78.84; p<O.001); and the physical performance through the SPPB +2.74 points (95% IC: 2.10, 3.37; P<O.OOI) The control group did not show improvement in any of these variables after the intervention period. Conclusions: The multicomponent training program based on mUscle power of the lower limbs and interval endurance exercise showed to be safe, well tolerated and effective for the improvement of most physical fitness variables, but not for quality of life and independence in institutionalized older adults.