Elastic band power training improves physical function and health-related quality of life in institutionalized frail older adults

This study verified the influence of elastic band power training (EBPT) on health-related variables in institutionalized frail older adults. Physical function, blood sampling, and questionnaires were assessed pre-post intervention. Eleven participants (men n=5, 74.0±8.3 years; women n=6, 83.8±5.5 years) engaged on EBPT that lasted 16 weeks (2x/week, 60 min/session), and included upper and lower extremity exercises. Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test were used at baseline, and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests and Cohen’s d tests to verify pre-post changes. Considering participants together, fast walking speed (P=0.02/d=0.78), number of repetitions in the elastic band rowing test (P=0.007/d=0.92); and health-related quality of life (HRQOL)-physical functioning (P=0.02/d=0.8), and role-physical (P=0.01/d=1.09) domains-improved after intervention. By sex, specific differences were also observed despite small sample size. EBPT is a useful, low cost, and easy-to-apply intervention with potential to promote physical function and HRQOL in institutionalized older adults.