HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Cited by other online articles Google Scholar Articles by Rubenstein, L. Z. Articles by Robbins, A. S. Articles citing this Article PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Rubenstein, L. Z. Articles by Robbins, A. S.

Effects of a Group Exercise Program on Strength, Mobility, and Falls Among Fall-Prone Elderly Men

^a Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Sepulveda, California
^b Department of Physical Therapy, California State University, Fresno
^c Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge
^d Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina

Laurence Z. Rubenstein, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (11E), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer St., Sepulveda, CA 91343 E-mail: lzrubens{at}ucla.edu.

Decision Editor: John E. Morley, MB, BCh

Objectives. This randomized controlled trial studied the effects of a low- to moderate-intensity group exercise program on strength, endurance, mobility, and fall rates in fall-prone elderly men with chronic impairments.

Methods. Fifty-nine community-living men with specific fall risk factors (i.e., leg weakness, impaired gait or balance, previous falls) were randomly assigned to a control group or to a 12-week group exercise program . Exercise sessions (90 minutes, three times per week) focused on increasing strength and endurance and improving mobility and balance. Outcome measures included isokinetic strength and endurance, five physical performance measures, and self-reported physical functioning, 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 scale. Isokinetic strength improved only for right knee flexion. Exercise achieved 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 exercisers had a lower 3-month fall rate than controls (6 falls/1000 hours of activity vs 16.2 falls/1000 hours, p < .05).

Discussion. These findings suggest that exercise can improve endurance, strength, gait, and function in chronically impaired, fall-prone elderly persons. In addition, increased physical activity was associated with reduced fall rates when adjusted for level of activity.

This article has been cited by other articles: (Search Google Scholar for Other Citing Articles)

				L. Z. Rubenstein, C. M. Powers, and C. H. MacLean Quality Indicators for the Management and Prevention of Falls and Mobility Problems in Vulnerable Elders Ann Intern Med, October 16, 2001; 135(8_Part_2): 686 - 693. [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. E. Morley and J. H. Flaherty Editorial It's Never Too Late: Health Promotion and Illness Prevention in Older Persons J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., June 1, 2002; 57(6): M338 - 342. [Full Text]

				M. A. F. Singh Exercise Comes of Age: Rationale and Recommendations for a Geriatric Exercise Prescription J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., May 1, 2002; 57(5): M262 - 282. [Full Text]

				J. E. Morley Editorial: Drugs, Aging, and the Future J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., January 1, 2002; 57(1): M2 - 6. [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. R. Thomas The Critical Link Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Age-Related Changes in Physical Activity and Nutrition J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., October 1, 2001; 56(10): M599 - 602. [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. J. Keysor and A. M. Jette Have We Oversold the Benefit of Late-Life Exercise? J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., July 1, 2001; 56(7): M412 - 423. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				W. J. Evans Editorial: Exercise Strategies Should Be Designed to Increase Muscle Power J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., June 1, 2000; 55(6): 309M - 310. [Full Text]