A multifactorial interdisciplinary intervention reduces frailty in older people: randomized trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Clinical Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Frailty is a recognized clinical condition in older adults.
• Existing healthcare models often lack targeted interventions for frailty.
• The study addresses the need for effective treatments to combat frailty and its associated mobility decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a targeted intervention in reducing frailty.
• To assess the impact of the intervention on improving mobility in frail older individuals.
• To determine if a multifaceted program can reverse or mitigate frailty progression.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, randomized controlled trial was conducted in Sydney, Australia.
• Participants received either a targeted interdisciplinary intervention or usual care.
• Primary outcomes included frailty (Cardiovascular Health Study criteria) and mobility (Short Physical Performance Battery), assessed at 3 and 12 months by masked raters.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed a significant reduction in frailty (14.7% difference, P = 0.02) at 12 months.
• Mobility, measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery, remained stable in the intervention group and declined in the control group (mean difference 1.44, P <0.001).
• No significant differences were observed in secondary outcomes (disability, depressive symptoms, quality of life); adverse events were minor and exercise-related.

Conclusions:

• An interdisciplinary, multifaceted treatment program can successfully address frailty.
• This intervention demonstrates effectiveness in improving mobility in frail older adults.
• The findings support the implementation of such programs to manage frailty and mobility disability.