Effectiveness and implementation of a multicomponent exercise intervention at a fitness center for older people: A...

The effectiveness and implementation evaluation of evidence-based interventions are critical.

This study evaluated a multicomponent exercise (MCE) program for older adults who were not engaging in regular exercise at a private fitness center.

This randomized controlled trial recruited community-dwelling older adults who attended public lectures. The intervention group (IG) participated in MCE sessions that incorporated aerobics, muscle-strengthening, and balance exercises, once or twice weekly, for 12 weeks. The control group (CG) participants maintained their usual lifestyles. Physical function and activity levels were measured before and after the 12-week study period. Physical function measures included a 30-s chair stand, timed up-and-go (TUG) test, and one-leg standing test. Physical activity was evaluated using total exercise time (TET) and an accelerometer. Implementation outcomes were assessed for their reach, effectiveness, implementation, and maintenance using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. Program adherence and fidelity were also assessed. Between-group comparisons were performed using a linear mixed-effects model.

Of 148 lecture attendees, 65 (43.9%) participated in the study. The IG (n = 32) showed significant differences in TUG (P < 0.001) compared to baseline, with significantly better TUG test performance (P = 0.004) than the CG. There was a 75% adherence rate with 12 or more sessions attended and 81.3% (26/32) of participants in IG continued the program for 24 weeks.

The MCE program resulted in high adherence, fidelity, and improved mobility; it also promoted physical function and continued participation among older Japanese adults. Clinical Trial Registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR ID: UMIN000050860).