[Physical training as treatment of reduced functional ability in frail 75+ year-olds living at home. A randomized intervention study in general practice with technological assessment elements]

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to establish the value of physical training as a treatment of reduced physical ability in frail, elderly patients living at home.

Material and methods: 46 community-dwelling frail elderly patients (> 74 years) participated in a randomised, controlled intervention study. The intervention group was transported to training, whilst the control group was not activated. All had their physical functional ability determined using SF-36, Berg's Balance Scale, 10 m walking test and muscle strength test.

Results: The intervention group had a significant improvement in functional ability measured by means of Berg's Balance Scale, walking test, muscle strength test and SF-36 (p < 0.01) compared with the control group. The average cost per patient was estimated at 121 DKK per training session, equivalent to 1452 DKK for a 12-week training period.

Discussion: The establishing of a "multi-component-training" as a treatment offer, to which general practitioners could refer their patients, would involve some costs, but savings due to reduced nursing care can be expected.