Multicomponent Program on a Group of Nonagenarians

Introduction The promotion of physical activity among older adults is considered to be one of the main actions that can result in more successful aging. Currently, there are few studies focusing on the effects of long-duration physical activity interventions in older adults. Thus, the purpose of the following study was to analyze the effects of an 8-month multicomponent intervention program on cardiorespiratory capacity, body composition, and strength in a group of nonagenarians. A secondary objective was to determine if the impact of the program differed according to the participants' way of life (institutionalized vs. community dwelling). Methods Participants Participants in this research represent a subset from an ongoing study aimed at collecting baseline and follow-up data over three years, to evaluate the health-related changes observed in a cohort of older adults f The present research was carried out on the basis of data obtained from the individuals in this sample who participated in a multicomponent intervention program offered to the inhabitants of the said region and who met the following inclusion criteria: a) being ninety years of age or older; and b) holding a medical certificate confirming their suitability for sport. The exclusion criteria were a) lack of independent ambulation (walking with an assistive device); b) recent upper or lower limb injuries; c) neurological or orthopedic diagnosis in upper or lower-extremities. Intervention A multicomponent intervention program was developed consisting of two 60-minute sessions per week, held on non-consecutive days, for a period of 8 months. The sessions consisted of a warm-up phase (10') in which individuals performed joint mobility exercises and walked at a rate of 3 km/h. Afterwards, muscular strength work was carried out on the upper and lower limbs, including calisthenic exercises, and the use of dumbbells or medicine balls (1-3kg). Generally, the exercises were organized in two sets of 10-15 repe