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Updated: May 7, 2026
14:13
A Training Program Using an Agility Ladder for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Published on: March 7, 2020
Promoting physical activity for elders with compromised function: the lifestyle interventions and independence for
W Jack Rejeski1, Robert Axtell, Roger Fielding
1Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
Clinical Interventions in Aging
|September 20, 2013
Summary
Physical activity interventions for older adults with mobility issues require personalized exercise prescriptions. Individual capacities and comfort levels dictate appropriate exercise intensity and volume for effective physical function improvement.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Trials
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study investigates physical activity's impact on mobility in older adults.
- Older adults aged 70-89 with compromised physical function are the target population.
- Major mobility disability is a significant concern in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the methods used for delivering the physical activity intervention in the LIFE Study.
- To detail strategies for promoting adherence and monitoring treatment fidelity.
- To present data on participant motivations, self-perceptions, and physical activity patterns.
Main Methods:
- Phase III randomized controlled clinical trial (NCT01072500).
- Intervention focused on physical activity (PA) tailored to older adults.
- Accelerometry used to monitor PA intensity and patterns during training.
Main Results:
- Prior to training, a significant percentage of participants anticipated challenges meeting program demands (31.4% slight, 6.4% moderate conflict).
- Accelerometry data showed average PA intensity below moderate levels for adults (men: 1,555 counts/min, women: 1,237 counts/min).
- A substantial subgroup required rest stops during exercise sessions, indicating varied functional capacities.
Conclusions:
- A one-size-fits-all exercise prescription is not feasible for older adults with compromised function.
- Individual physical capacities, comfort, and stability determine appropriate "moderate" exercise intensity and volume.
- Personalized exercise approaches are crucial for optimizing physical activity interventions in this population.
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