Effectiveness of Individual Physical Activity Programs to Prevent Sarcopenia and Frailty Among Older Adults

Effectiveness of Individual Physical Activity Programs to Prevent and Slow Progression of Sarcopenia and Frailty Among Thai Community-dwelling Older Adults: A Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Sarcopenia and frailty could be prevented and rehabilitated through individual physical activities in the form of combined exercise that could be practiced at home in daily life.

The volunteers were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group using sealed envelopes containing documents marked with either IG (intervention group) or CG (control group). The intervention group received training, after which they demonstrated and practiced the physical activities. They were provided with an exercise leaflet for self-practice at home and were followed up by phone, LINE application, and leaders of social club for older adults at least once a week to ensure regular practice. The older adults' relatives and caregivers were also trained and encouraged to practice with them in a 1:1 match. Support techniques and warning signs for stopping or taking a break during exercise were added to each posture, along with suggestions for suitable environmental management, such as flat plains, sufficient light, and no barriers within 2 meters, to reduce the risks of accidents. However, the control group did not receive any intervention apart from general suggestions and continued with their usual daily activities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals aged between 60 and 80 years.
• Those who are able to walk independently or with the aid of walking devices.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants with leg or foot amputations.
• Participants who had been admitted to hospitals in the past 6 months.
• Those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, bone and muscle injuries, and infectious diseases.
• Individuals who did not pass the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).