Structured Physical Activity Preserves Mobility in Frail Older Adults

In older adults, the ability to walk independently is associated with lower morbidity and mortality. However, trials of structured physical activity programs to preserve mobility in near-frail elders are scarce. In this multisite study, 1635 sedentary older adults (mean age, 79; 67% women) who had functional limitations but were able to walk independently 400 m within <15 minutes were randomized to a physical-activity intervention or an education control group. The intervention involved two supervised exercise sessions weekly and home-based activity three to four times weekly and included walking (with the goal of walking 150 minutes weekly) and strength training. The control group attended regular education sessions that focused on health …