Healthy ageing
The bestform-project
Personalized exercise offers are an indispensable component in the everyday life of senior citizens, in order to counteract muscle wasting, frailty and the need for care for as long as possible.
Regular physical exercise is the best medicine for maintaining quality of life," explains Prof. Martin Halle, Medical Director of our Center.
Background
The key question for an aging society is, whether the increase in life expectancy not only prolongs the period of illness through better medical care, but whether health-promoting measures can also increase the number of healthy years of life. The physical and cognitive activity of those affected plays an essential role and must be specifically promoted. Especially there, where many old and oldest-old people live, i.e. in retirement homes and assisted living facilities. Currently, however, there is still a lack of innovative exercise concepts and necessary training standards. Thus, we have developed a holistic, universally applicable exercise program for senior facilities in Germany, funded by the Beisheim Foundation. At the same time, we aim to generate a mind-shift throughout society regarding exercise in old age.
Research question & methods
The bestform project comprises two stages: In a pilot study in two initial senior facilities, we tested, if a multimodal machine-based training is feasible. In a subsequent cluster-randomized trial, we currently investigate the effects of the six months bestform training on physical function, fall risk, cardiometabolic factors and other health parameters. The bestform training includes machine-based strength, coordination and endurance training. The training takes place twice a week for 45 minutes in small groups. The participants are also examined by sports physicians at the beginning, after 3 months and finally after 6 months.
Results
The feasibility and the safety of the six-month training program have already been proven within a pilot study with 77 participants between 74 and 103 years of age at the KWA Stift Rupertihof in Rottach-Egern and the Diakoniewerk München-Maxvorstadt. The seniors participated regularly and with great enthusiasm in the training. They also reported physical and mental improvements. The training has been actively continued in both pilot retirement homes since the end of the pilot study. Results regarding the effectiveness of the bestform-training are expected after completion of the cluster-randomized trial by the end of 2022.
Further retirement homes wanted for cluster-randomized trial
There is still the chance for senior facilities in the Munich area to be part of the cluster-randomized trial. The costs for training, equipment and examinations will be covered within the project. Interested facilities with at least 100 residents and at least temporary space for five to seven strength training machines are welcome to contact project leader
