High-intensity Resistance Training for Complex Older Adults in PACE

Complex older adults (OAs) in the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participated in a high-intensity resistance training program conducted by rehabilitation therapists as part of their routine care.

According to authors of the study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, older adults demonstrated, “improved pre-post physical function to levels above independence thresholds (SPPB ≥6; gait speed ≥0.65 m/s).” 

For this study researchers utilized a PACE site in Denver, CO, and OAs at risk for institutionalization took part in screening and high-intensity interventions to improve falls risk and transform expectations in age and aging (SHIFT).

The following results were presented by researchers:

• “The rehabilitation team demonstrated high treatment fidelity to SHIFT (>80%).”
• “SPPB scores and gait speeds improved significantly over time (P < 0.005).”
• “The average SPPB score at evaluation was 4.6 ± 0.24 compared to 7.7 ± 0.38 points at discharge.”
• “The average gait speed at evaluation was 0.58 ± 0.03 meters/second (m/s) compared to 0.79 ± 0.04 m/s at discharge.” 

Changes in health status and environmental factors such as transportation were noted by study authors as common barriers to program completion.

“Our pilot implementation study informed refinement of eligibility criteria, number of visits, and strategies to address long-term adherence to enhance scalability and optimize impact,” concluded authors of the study.

Reference:
Gustavson AM, LeDoux CV, Himawan M, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Nearing KA. Implementation of a rehabilitation model in a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): preliminary data. J Am Geriatr Soc. Published online February 4, 2022. doi:10.1111/jgs.17674.