Focused Exercise Program for Older Adults Improves Walking Speed and Distance

Preserving mobility in older adults is critical to maintaining independence and limiting morbidity. Group exercise programs to improve mobility typically focus on muscle strengthening and general conditioning. In this multisite randomized trial, researchers compared an exercise program called “On the Move” (OTM) with a general strengthening and aerobic exercise program (usual care) in 298 older adults (mean age, 80) who resided in independent living centers or senior housing. OTM teaches biomechanical skills, timing, and coordination through a series of stepping sequences, walking patterns, and weight-shifting exercises. In both groups, exercise was delivered twice weekly in 50-minute sessions led by physical therapy staff members.

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