Exercise training improves physical performance and handgrip strength in frail nursing home residents

A 12-month, parallel two-arm pragmatic controlled trial evaluated a structured exercise program in 95 older, mostly frail nursing home residents (mean age 81.9 years). The intervention consisted of twice-weekly resistance and aerobic exercises, compared to a usual care control group receiving standard daily routines. The primary outcome was change in physical performance measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB, score range 0-12).

After 12 months, the exercise group showed a significant improvement in SPPB score compared to usual care, with a mean difference of 2.59 points (95% CI: 1.75, 3.43). Handgrip strength also improved significantly by 1.85 kgf (95% CI: 0.56, 3.14). However, there were no significant between-group differences for independence in basic activities of daily living (measured by the Barthel Index) or for the rate of falls.

Within-group analysis revealed a significant decline in the Barthel Index score (-11.8 points) and an increase in the rate of falls (+31.5 falls per 100 person-years) in the usual care group over the study period. The abstract does not report whether the trial was randomized, nor does it provide any data on adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, or tolerability. Funding sources and conflicts of interest were also not reported.

These findings suggest that integrating structured exercise programs into nursing home care may help preserve physical function and strength among frail residents. However, the lack of randomization details and absence of safety data limit definitive conclusions about the intervention's overall risk-benefit profile. The results did not demonstrate benefits for maintaining independence in daily activities or preventing falls compared to usual care.