The effect of a physical activity program on physical function in older adults at a day care centre

Abstract

To analyse the influence of a community-based multicomponent physical exercise program on the functional fitness of older adults. A quasi-experimental, single-group study with 19 community-dwelling residents (16 women, 3 men; M = 70.67 ± 5.42 years). The intervention lasted 12 weeks (two weekly sessions of 45-50 min). Functional fitness and fall risk were assessed at pre- and post-intervention using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), with analysis of the components of static balance, gait speed (4 meters), and lower-limb strength (sit-to-stand, 5 times). After 12 weeks, the program induced significant improvements. The 4-meter gait time reduced from 3.00 (±0.30) to 2.78 (±0.26) seconds (p = 0.006; d = 0.72). In the sit-to-stand test, the execution time significantly decreased from 12.27 (±1.84) to 10.74 (±1.29) seconds (p < 0.001; d = 1.15). The total SPPB score registered a significant overall increase, going from 9.88 (±0.99) to 10.59 (±0.62) points (p < 0.001; d = 1.03). The static balance test did not show statistically significant differences (p = 0.083). The community implementation of a low-cost, multicomponent exercise program significantly improves lower-limb strength, gait agility, and overall functional performance, serving as a crucial protective factor against motor decline and fall risk.