[Verification of a frailty control program provided in a regional core hospital]

This study aimed to evaluate the validity of a frailty control program for the elderly at a newly established center.

The subjects were 30 patients who underwent training between January 2022 and January 2023 and who could be evaluated 3 times. The first step of the program was to diagnose frailty and sarcopenia. Training in the training room and individual home exercise programs were proposed. We also provided support for the prevention of oral frailty and nutritional guidance. Body composition was measured, and the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was used as an index of muscle mass. Physical functions (e.g., grip strength and normal walking speed) were also measured. Adverse events that occurred during training were also investigated.

The analysis of 30 subjects showed a significant improvement in grip strength after 3 months (P<0.05) and 6 months (P<0.01). Walking speed significantly improved after 3 months (P<.01) and 6 months (P<0.001). In women, grip strength and walking speed significantly improved after 3 months and 6 months, while significant improvement was observed after 6 months in men. Subjects without sarcopenia showed significant improvement in walking speed at 3 months and 6 months. Subjects with sarcopenia showed a significant improvement in grip strength at 6 months. No adverse events were observed during the training.

The results showed statistically significant improvements in grip strength and gait speed in subjects in the anti-frailty program, and the safety of the program was confirmed.