SWORD - South West Open Research Deposit - International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness: Progressive strength and balance training enhances physical functioning in older adults with decreased functional capacity
 

Start Date

18-6-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

18-6-2025 10:30 AM

Abstract

Progressive strength and balance training enhances physical function in older adults with decreased functional capacity

Introduction
In Finland, one third of people aged 70 and over fall each year. Each hip fracture costs approximately €30 000 (Kannus et al. 2018, Sotkanet 2025, Finnish Medical Society Duodecim 2017). Strength and balance training (SBT) improves muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life, and can prevent half of fall-related fractures (Sherrington et al. 2019, Levy et al. 2020, Oberholster et al. 2020, Wang et al. 2020). However, the implementation of fall prevention is still incomplete (Reis et al. 2016). Our aim was to implement a practical training model for older adults living independently with reduced functional capacity.

Methods
The model was implemented in municipalities and Wellbeing Services Counties (WSC) as part of the national Strength in Old Age Programme. Professionals from municipal sports departments and WSCs participated two-day SBT education after which they organised training sessions for elderly at risk of falling. The training consisted of 10-12 weeks of progressive SBT, including nutritional advice. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was implemented at baseline and at the end of the training period.

Results
The training model was implemented in real life, i.e. no case-control trials. In the years 2017-2023, 412 professionals received SBT education, 1383 elderly participated in the programme and were tested for the SPPB. Physical performance improved in 52% of the participants, remained unchanged in 39% and decreased in 9% (pooled mean prevalence 2017-2023).

Discussion
Professional education and SBT programmes are likely to improve muscle strength, mobility, and physical activity levels in older adults.

Conclusions
Progressive SBT is an effective and cost-effective practice that should be promoted in real- life settings. Its widespread adoption could reduce fall-related injuries and significantly improve the well-being of the older adults.

References

Finnish Medical Society Duodecim. (2017). Hip fracture. Current Care Guidelines. Working group appointed by the Finnish Medical Society Duodecim and the Finnish Orthopaedic Association, Helsinki. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.kaypahoito.fi
Kannus, P., Niemi, S., Parkkari, J., & Sievänen, H.
(2018). Continuously declining incidence of hip fracture in Finland: Analysis of nationwide database in 1970–2016. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 77, 64–67.
Levy, S. S., Thralls, K. J., & Goble, D. J.
(2020). Effects of a community-based exercise program on older adults' physical function, activities of daily living, and exercise self-efficacy: Feeling Fit Club. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 39, 40–49. https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464818760237
Oberholster, C. K., Taylor, C. J., & Huynh, M. (2024). The immediate and lasting balance outcomes of clinical falls-prevention programs: A non-randomized study. PLOS ONE, 19(4), e0299146. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299146
Reis, R. S., Salvo, D., & Ogilvie, D. (2016). Scaling up physical activity interventions worldwide: Stepping up to larger and smarter approaches to get people moving. The Lancet, 388, 1337–1348. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30728-0
Sherrington, C., Fairhall, N. J., Wallbank, G. K., Tiedemann, A., Michaleff, Z. A., Howard, K., Clemson, L., Hopewell, S., & Lamb, S. E. (2019). Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 1, Art. No.: CD012424. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012424.pub2
Sotkanet Indicator Bank. (n.d.). Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/index
Wang, D. X. M., Yao, J., & Zirek, Y. (2020). Muscle mass, strength, and physical performance predicting activities of daily living: A meta-analysis. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 11(1), 3–25. DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12502

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Jun 18th, 9:00 AM Jun 18th, 10:30 AM

Progressive strength and balance training enhances physical functioning in older adults with decreased functional capacity

Progressive strength and balance training enhances physical function in older adults with decreased functional capacity

Introduction
In Finland, one third of people aged 70 and over fall each year. Each hip fracture costs approximately €30 000 (Kannus et al. 2018, Sotkanet 2025, Finnish Medical Society Duodecim 2017). Strength and balance training (SBT) improves muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life, and can prevent half of fall-related fractures (Sherrington et al. 2019, Levy et al. 2020, Oberholster et al. 2020, Wang et al. 2020). However, the implementation of fall prevention is still incomplete (Reis et al. 2016). Our aim was to implement a practical training model for older adults living independently with reduced functional capacity.

Methods
The model was implemented in municipalities and Wellbeing Services Counties (WSC) as part of the national Strength in Old Age Programme. Professionals from municipal sports departments and WSCs participated two-day SBT education after which they organised training sessions for elderly at risk of falling. The training consisted of 10-12 weeks of progressive SBT, including nutritional advice. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was implemented at baseline and at the end of the training period.

Results
The training model was implemented in real life, i.e. no case-control trials. In the years 2017-2023, 412 professionals received SBT education, 1383 elderly participated in the programme and were tested for the SPPB. Physical performance improved in 52% of the participants, remained unchanged in 39% and decreased in 9% (pooled mean prevalence 2017-2023).

Discussion
Professional education and SBT programmes are likely to improve muscle strength, mobility, and physical activity levels in older adults.

Conclusions
Progressive SBT is an effective and cost-effective practice that should be promoted in real- life settings. Its widespread adoption could reduce fall-related injuries and significantly improve the well-being of the older adults.

References

Finnish Medical Society Duodecim. (2017). Hip fracture. Current Care Guidelines. Working group appointed by the Finnish Medical Society Duodecim and the Finnish Orthopaedic Association, Helsinki. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.kaypahoito.fi
Kannus, P., Niemi, S., Parkkari, J., & Sievänen, H.
(2018). Continuously declining incidence of hip fracture in Finland: Analysis of nationwide database in 1970–2016. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 77, 64–67.
Levy, S. S., Thralls, K. J., & Goble, D. J.
(2020). Effects of a community-based exercise program on older adults' physical function, activities of daily living, and exercise self-efficacy: Feeling Fit Club. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 39, 40–49. https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464818760237
Oberholster, C. K., Taylor, C. J., & Huynh, M. (2024). The immediate and lasting balance outcomes of clinical falls-prevention programs: A non-randomized study. PLOS ONE, 19(4), e0299146. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299146
Reis, R. S., Salvo, D., & Ogilvie, D. (2016). Scaling up physical activity interventions worldwide: Stepping up to larger and smarter approaches to get people moving. The Lancet, 388, 1337–1348. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30728-0
Sherrington, C., Fairhall, N. J., Wallbank, G. K., Tiedemann, A., Michaleff, Z. A., Howard, K., Clemson, L., Hopewell, S., & Lamb, S. E. (2019). Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 1, Art. No.: CD012424. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012424.pub2
Sotkanet Indicator Bank. (n.d.). Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://sotkanet.fi/sotkanet/en/index
Wang, D. X. M., Yao, J., & Zirek, Y. (2020). Muscle mass, strength, and physical performance predicting activities of daily living: A meta-analysis. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 11(1), 3–25. DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12502