Functional Impairments and Exercise in Older Adults With Low Physical Function,

Implementation of an "Active Life-style" Intervention in Older People With Low Physical Function: Effect on Functional Impairments, Pilot

• Aging is associated with a progressive and generalized deterioration of physiologic systems and greater incidence of chronic conditions, which ultimately translates into functional impairment, disability and dependency.
• Physical activity and exercise have been recognized as key pillars for the management of chronic diseases in support of medical treatment, and essential to increase physiologic function, but there is only limited evidence indicating increased physical function, following exercise interventions. One of the greatest challenges in the science of aging and exercise is to understand whether and to which extent exercise and active life-style may postpone the onset of disability and/or reverse physical impairments.
• Maintenance/improvements of physical function and mobility should be considered as primary targets for independent living, active engagement in societal challenges, and, more in general, when promoting "active ageing".
• The aim of this study is to collect preliminary data to identify the feasibility and sustainability of an "active life-style intervention" in older adults with reduced mobility receiving a preventive home visit from the public health care authority.
• This study will represent the base for a larger phase III parallel group study implemented in the public health care setting, with the specific aim of improving physical function and delay the onset of functional impairment in older adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Older adults (age 76 years and above) receiving a visit from the personnel of preventive home unit of municipality of Odense (DK)
• Mini Mental State Examination > = 21
• Self-selected gait speed < 0,9 m/s
• Ability to self-transport to the training facility

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable medical conditions including ECG abnormalities, uncontrolled hypertension, terminal and critical chronic conditions (e.g. cancer, severe heart failure)
• Amputation or other severe physical impairments prohibiting participation in the active life-style intervention
• Refusal to wear accelerometer