Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
The Impact of Strong for Life on the Physical Functioning and Health of Older Adults Receiving Home and
Margaret Danilovich1, Daniel Corcos, Amy Eisenstein
1Northwestern University, Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, 645 N. Michigan, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611.
Background/Objectives:
To test the effects of Strong for Life (SFL) on the physical performance and self-rated health of older adults receiving Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
Design:
Randomized, two-group trial with pre-post measures.
Setting:
In-home exercise program.
Participants:
Clients aged 65-95 (n=42) and their Home Care Aide (HCA) (n=32) were randomly assigned to a usual care and SFL intervention or usual care control group.
Intervention:
Clients were instructed in SFL by their HCA and completed SFL 3 times per week for 12-weeks.
Measurements:
Outcomes included grip and quadriceps strength, Timed Up and Go, gait speed, Self-Efficacy for Exercise, pain, and PROMIS-global health measured at baseline and immediately following the intervention. Clients completed opened ended survey items on SFL program evaluation.
Results:
Effect sizes were moderate for grip strength (d= .38), pain (d= .34), and PROMIS-global health (d= .27). Small effect sizes were found for all other measures. Median quadriceps and TUG scores differentially improved among intervention participants versus controls. No adverse health events and high program satisfaction were reported. Frailty prevalence in the control group increased between baseline and post-test while frailty prevalence in the intervention group decreased during the same time period.
Conclusion:
Strong for Life has the potential to improve the strength, mobility, health, and frailty of older adults receiving HCBS. This study provides initial evidence of the impact of SFL for older adults receiving HCBS, as well as the safety of the intervention evidenced by the lack of reported adverse events.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues