Effects of a multicomponent exercise program on the gross and fine motor skills of healthy, sporting inactive older adults aged 60

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent exercise program with integrated popular sports on the gross and fine motor coordination of healthy but sporting inactive adults aged 60 and above. Coordinative abilities are a key determinant of maintaining independence in later life. From February 2022 until December 2024 a 6-month pre-post intervention study with three measurement points: at baseline (t0), after 3 months (t1), and after completion of the intervention (t2) was conducted. The intervention groups started quarterly during the intervention period. In the intervention group (IG) a total of 161 older adults (68.23 ± 4.47 years; f = 107, m = 54) participated in a twice-weekly 90-min training program integrating popular sports. Gross motor skills were assessed using the Karlsruhe Health-Oriented Coordination Test (KHCT), and fine motor skills via the Motor Performance Series (MLS). Results were compared with an inactive control group (CGinactive: n = 32) and an active reference group of senior dancers (CGactive: n = 23), which was assessed cross-sectionally at baseline only. Compared to the CGinactive, the IG demonstrated significant improvements in six of the seven gross motor tasks and in two of the four fine motor tasks (group*time interaction: p < 0.05; Relative Treatment Effect = ΔRTE ≥0.12). Post-intervention, the IG's performance approached that of the CGactive. The findings suggest that the low-threshold, multicomponent exercise program may improve coordinative abilities in previously inactive older adults. However, results should be interpreted with caution due to the non-randomized design and variability within the sample.