Effectiveness of a home-based physical activity program delivered by caregivers to frail older adults

This quasi-experimental study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a home-based physical activity intervention on the physical functions of frail older adults. Unique to this study was the use of non-medical home aides researcher-trained to conduct basic physical activities with their clients aimed at improving functional performance of frail older adults. Twenty-eight trained home aides delivered an 8-week program to 28 older adults (M=84.8 yrs). Home aides and their clients were unique dyads. Experimental group practiced twice per week on mobility, upper and lower body strength and flexibility activities taken from physical and occupational rehabilitation programs. Attention control group received only health education from the researcher. Both groups had equal researcher contacts. Groups were normally and equally distributed on age, gender, education, and overall health and functioning, with no group differences at baseline in physical function, disability, depression and memory. MANOVA results indicated an intervention effect on measures of disability, upper body strength and flexibility and lower body strength. Experimental group reported greater ability to perform ADLs, and demonstrated increased flexibility in upper body function and improved strength in arms and legs. Mobility and hand function approached, but did not achieve significance. Stepwise regression identified mobility and upper body strength as strong predictors of disability. Intervention effectiveness can be attributed to the unique study design. It created a partnership between the trained home aide and the older adult in the routine practice of physical activities at home. High program adherence demonstrated significant change within 2 months.