Effect of a Physio-Feedback-Based Exercise Intervention on Physical Function and Body Composition Among Low-Income Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/
Objective
Group exercise is a common fall risk intervention among older adults. However, many older adults approach exercise adoption with knowledge of their current physiological health (i.e., physio-feedback), which may influence the expected changes in physical function and body composition. We compared changes in body composition, bioimpedance (phase angle, impedance ratio, etc.), and physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery; handgrip strength) between a physio-feedback-based intervention and a control group among community-dwelling older adults.
Methods
We assessed 186 participants (female = 88%, age = 74.1 ± 6.8 years, body mass index = 30.5 ± 6.5 kg/m2) during an 8-week cluster-randomized controlled trial. The physio-feedback-based intervention included a one-on-one physio-feedback debrief session following baseline testing, once weekly 60-min group classes, and 60 min of at-home exercises per week. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model with clustered sites and individual participants as random coefficients. Intervention adherence was monitored via in-class attendance and at-home exercise logs.
Results
We observed significant interaction effects with phase angle and impedance ratio (p < .05) and significant time effects for Short Physical Performance Battery scores, handgrip strength, and bioelectrical resistance (p < .05). Participants demonstrated good-to-excellent adherence to the in-person group class (80.9 ± 20.0%) and at-home exercises (71.8 ± 26.9%).
Conclusion
The present form of this physio-feedback-based exercise intervention may not provide sufficient stimulus to improve body composition and physical function, but may mitigate decrements in phase angle and impedance ratio. Significance/Implications: The high adherence rate suggests that the intervention has potential for future applications in community settings. Clinicians and community partners aiming to implement physio-feedback-based exercise interventions may need to modify the protocol to elicit desired adaptations. CLINICALTRIALS gov (NCT05778604).