Effects of Multi-component Exercise on Physical Performance and Sleep Quality in Older Adults

Effects of a Multi-component Group Exercise Program on Physical Performance and Sleep Quality in Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study

This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effects of an 8-week multi-component group exercise program on physical performance and sleep quality among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. Participants were recruited from four community care sites in central Taiwan. The intervention group participated in a structured exercise program consisting of aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility training conducted at a university-affiliated senior fitness club, while the control group maintained their usual community activities.

Primary outcomes included physical performance and sleep quality. Physical performance was assessed using gait speed, chair stand, arm curl, grip strength, balance, and walking tests. Sleep quality was measured using the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (CPSQI). Heart rate recovery was evaluated as a secondary outcome. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

Population ageing increases the importance of interventions that promote healthy ageing and prevent functional decline. Exercise interventions have demonstrated benefits for mobility, muscular strength, balance, cardiovascular health, and quality of life in older adults. However, evidence regarding structured multi-component exercise programs integrated with senior-friendly smart fitness equipment and their effects on sleep quality remains limited.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week multi-component group exercise program on physical performance and sleep quality in community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. The intervention was designed according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendations for older adults and incorporated aerobic exercise, resistance training, balance training, and flexibility exercises.

Participants in the intervention group attended weekly 100-minute exercise sessions consisting of warm-up activities, whole-body vibration training, treadmill or stationary bicycle aerobic exercise, hydraulic-based isokinetic resistance training, and cool-down exercises. Exercise intensity was monitored using heart rate and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). The control group maintained their regular community activities without structured exercise intervention.

The primary outcomes were changes in physical performance and sleep quality. Secondary outcomes included heart rate recovery as an indicator of cardiovascular fitness. This study provides evidence regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of community-based multi-component exercise programs for older adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Community-dwelling older adults aged 65 to 90 years.
• Able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
• Able to participate in exercise activities.
• Provided written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindications to exercise, including recent myocardial infarction, acute cardiovascular events, acute infection, or renal disease symptoms.
• Use of ambulatory assistive devices.
• Regular physical activity exceeding 150 minutes per week.
• Positive responses indicating elevated exercise risk on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).