Revistas SARC · May 12, 2026
The effect of a physical activity program on physical function in older adults at a day center
By Costa R, Santos R, Margarido CAFFR et al.
To analyze the influence of a community-based multicomponent physical exercise program on functional fitness in older adults. A single-group quasi-experimental study with 19 community-dwelling individuals (16 women, 3 men; M = 70.67 ± 5.42 years). The intervention lasted 12 weeks (two weekly sessions of 45-50 min). Functional fitness and fall risk were assessed before and after the intervention using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), analyzing the components of static balance, gait speed (4 meters), and lower limb strength (sitting down and standing up 5 times). After 12 weeks, the program induced significant improvements. The 4-meter walk time decreased from 3.00 (±0.30) to 2.78 (±0.26) seconds (p = 0.006; d = 0.72). In the sit-to-stand test, completion time decreased significantly from 12.27 (±1.84) to 10.74 (±1.29) seconds (p < 0.001; d = 1.15). The total SPPB score showed a significant overall increase, rising from 9.88 (±0.99) to 10.59 (±0.62) points (p < 0.001; d = 1.03). The static balance test showed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.083). Community implementation of a low-cost multicomponent exercise program markedly improves lower limb strength, gait agility, and overall functional performance, serving as a crucial protective factor against motor decline and fall risk.