Effects of a group exercise program on strength, mobility, and falls amongfall-prone elderly men

Objectives. This randomized controlled trial studied the effects of a low- to moderate-intensity group exercise program on strength, endurance, mobili ty, and fall rates in fall-prone elderly men with chronic impairments. Methods. Fifty-nine community-living men (mean age = 74 years) with specifi c fall risk factors (i.e., leg weakness, impaired gait or balance, previous falls) were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 28) or to a 12-week group exercise program (n = 31). Exercise sessions (90 minutes, three times per week) focused on increasing strength and endurance and improving mobil ity and balance. Outcome measures included isokinetic strength and enduranc e, five physical performance measures, and self-reported physical functioni ng, health perception, activity level, and falls. Results. Exercisers showed significant improvement in measures of endurance and gait. Isokinetic endurance increased 21% for right knee flexion and 26 % for extension. Exercisers had a 10% increase (p < .05) in distance walked in six minutes, and improved (p < .05) scores on an observational gait sca le. Isokinetic strength improved only for right knee flexion. Exercise achi eved no significant effect on hip or ankle strength, balance, self-reported physical Functioning, or number of falls. Activity level increased within the exercise group. When fall rates were adjusted for activity level, the e xercisers had a lower 3-month fall rate than controls (6 falls/1000 hours o f activity vs 16.2 fails/1000 hours, p < .05). Discussion. These findings suggest that exercise can improve endurance, str ength, gait, and function in chronically impaired, fall-prone elderly perso ns. In addition, increased physical activity was associated with reduced fa ll rates when adjusted for level of activity.