Effects of Exercise Snacking on Physical Fitness, Cognition, and Pain in Institutionalized Older Adults

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Exercise Snacks: Exercise snacks, defined as short bouts of gentle intermittent exercise performed twice a day

Conventional Exercise: Conventional exercise consists of longer continuous practice of structured physical activity.

Study summary

This study aims to compare the effects of two different exercise approaches on health and well-being in older adults living in residential care facilities. One approach, called "exercise snacking," consists of short and frequent bouts of physical activity spread throughout the day, while the other involves longer, structured exercise sessions performed a few times per week.

Approximately 75 adults aged 65 years and older will be randomly assigned to one of the two exercise programs and will participate for 12 weeks. The study will examine whether exercise snacking is as effective as conventional exercise in improving physical fitness, cognitive function, chronic pain intensity, quality of life, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The researchers hypothesize that short, intermittent exercise sessions may provide similar or greater health benefits compared to traditional exercise programs and may represent a practical and accessible strategy to promote physical activity in older adults living in institutional settings.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Physical Fitness Assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) — Baseline and 3 months
  The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a test of lower extremity functioning that combines scores from usual gait speed, standing balance, and chair stand tests. Scores range from 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating better physical functioning.

Trial sites (1)

Other trials for the same condition