Exercise dose-response effects on quality of life and independent living in older adults

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if exercise operates in a dose-response fashion to influence well-being and to postpone dependency . Methods: A computer-assisted search was made by using the following key w ords: resistance training, strength training, function, exercise, elderly, quality of life, frailty, physical activity, independence, performance, aer obic training, mobility, well-being, and disability. Review articles and pe rsonal files were also used, anti a critical review of research studies mee ting the criteria described in the methods section of the article was condu cted. Results: In large sample correlational studies and prospective longit udinal studies, researchers consistently report that measures of physical f unction in old adults are related to feelings of well-being, and that old a dults who are physically active also report higher levels of well-being and physical function, but the results of randomized intervention studies of a erobic and/or resistive strength training do not always support this relati onship. Even if changes in well-being and physical function were reported, no evidence was found that levels of intensity operated in a dose-response fashion to influence these changes. Research design problems included ineff ective aerobic or strength training treatments, widely varying participatio n and effort of the research participants, and both treatment and physical function tests that were not appropriate for the physical status of the par ticipants. Conclusion: The most consistent results were that long-term phys ical activity is related to postponed disability and independent living in the oldest-old subjects. Even in individuals with chronic disease, systemat ic participation in physical activities enhances physical function.