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A Practice Guide for Physical Therapists Prescribing Physical Exercise for Older Adults
Frederico M Baptista1,2, Rosa Andias2, Nelson P Rocha1,3
1Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
Older adults should engage in diverse physical activities like aerobic, resistance, and balance exercises. Personalized exercise programs, guided by the FITT-VP principles, are crucial for preventing physical and cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Physical activity and exercise are vital for mitigating physical and cognitive decline in older adults.
- A significant portion of older adults do not meet recommended exercise guidelines.
- The Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type, Volume, and Progression (FITT-VP) principles offer a framework for personalized exercise prescription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide physical therapists with a practical tool for prescribing exercise to older adults.
- To detail the application of each FITT-VP principle for this demographic.
- To aid in designing effective and personalized exercise programs for older adults.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of scientific literature was conducted.
- International guidelines for exercise prescription in older adults were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Recommended exercise modalities include aerobic, mobility, resistance, balance, and flexibility training, alongside functional training.
- Progression strategies vary across different exercise types and should be tailored to individual needs.
Conclusions:
- Exercise programs for older adults must integrate a variety of exercise modalities.
- Adherence to FITT-VP principles and modality-specific progression factors is essential for effective exercise programming.
- This masterclass aims to assist physical therapists in creating feasible and effective exercise programs for older adults, aligning with international recommendations.
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