Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2025
Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
Home-based high-intensity functional strength training (HIFST) for community-dwelling older adults with preclinical
Ashley Morgan1, Ada Tang1, Jennifer Heisz2
1School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
Purpose:
To determine the feasibility and preliminary effects of a home-based 12-week high-intensity functional strength training (HIFST) intervention for community-dwelling older adults (≥55 years) experiencing preclinical mobility limitations after a slip, trip, or fall.
Materials And Methods:
Participants were randomized (1:1) to HIFST (interval-based strengthening using everyday movements) or a lower extremity stretching group. Both interventions were delivered virtually by a physiotherapist. Feasibility was assessed based on predetermined criteria for adherence, recruitment, retention, and safety. Preliminary effects on physical and cognitive functioning outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. Exploratory analyses were also conducted to assess enjoyment throughout the intervention.
Results:
Twenty-four participants (mean age 67.5 years, 21 females) were randomized (12 in each group). All feasibility criteria were met; 86.1% of HIFST sessions were completed, 82.8% of eligible participants were enrolled, 91.7% of participants completed follow-up assessments, and no serious adverse events occurred. Exploratory analyses suggested benefits for HIFST on a self-reported mobility status, the Oral-Trails Making Test-B, and higher self-reported exercise enjoyment levels at several time points.
Conclusions:
Home-based HIFST delivered virtually by a physiotherapist is feasible and results suggest beneficial effects which warrant further exploration in a larger fully powered trial.
