Effect of Home-Based Exercise Program on Physical Function and Balance in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study

Author: Ekin Ilke Sen, Sibel Eyigor, Merve Dikici Yagli, Zeynep Alev Ozcete, Tugba Aydin, Fatma Nur Kesiktas, Filiz Yildiz Aydin, Meltem Vural, Nilay Sahin, Ayse Karan
Conference/Journal: J Aging Phys Act
Date published: 2021 Jul 16
Other: Volume ID: 29 , Issue ID: 6 , Pages: 1010-1017 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1123/japa.2020-0348. , Word Count: 155


In the prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter study, 100 patients who were clinically diagnosed with sarcopenia were assigned to either a home-based exercise group or a control group. The home-based training program included exercises with gradually increasing intensity comprising posture, stretching and upper- and lower-extremity muscle-strengthening exercises, balance and coordination exercises, and gait training. Before and 3 months after the exercise program, all the patients were evaluated. The 6-min walking test and Berg Balance Scale scores increased significantly after 3 months in the home-based exercise group compared with the controls. There was also a significant decrease in timed up and go test scores and a significant improvement in quality of life in the exercise group compared with the control group. Our findings indicated that a home-based exercise program can have a positive effect on physical function, balance, and quality of life in patients with sarcopenia.

Keywords: aging; balance training; fall risk; physical activity; strength training.

PMID: 34271551 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2020-0348