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Effects of Pole‐Assisted Multicomponent Exercise on Preventing Frailty Among Older Adults in Japan: A Quasi‐Experimental Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Frailty is a multidimensional geriatric syndrome characterised by reduced physiological reserves. Multidomain interventions combining physical and cognitive activities show promise in delaying frailty and cognitive decline. However, existing programs often face high dropout rates due to joint discomfort and balance concerns among older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a pole-assisted multicomponent exercise program on physical and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. METHOD: Participants were cluster-randomised into a control group (standard multicomponent exercises) or an intervention group (pole-assisted multicomponent exercises). Both groups participated in biweekly 90-min sessions for 3 months, incorporating stretching, muscle strengthening, aerobic exercises, and cognitive training. Outcomes included physical measures (grip strength; GS, usual walking speed; UWS), cognitive measures (word recognition memory; WM, Trail Making Test A&B, Symbol Digit Substitution Task; SDST), and frailty assessments based on the Fried frailty index. Analyses utilized paired t-test and, with interaction effects evaluated through two-way analyses. RESULT: Significant improvements were observed within the intervention group for GS, UWS, WM (p < 0.05), and SDST (p < 0.01). The control group demonstrated significant improvements only in WM (p < 0.05). Both groups showed significant reductions in frailty status post-intervention. Importantly, a significant interaction effect was noted for UWS, highlighting superior outcomes in the pole-assisted exercise group. Time effects were significant for UWS, WM, and SDST, indicating general improvements over the intervention period. CONCLUSION: Integrating pole-assisted intervention into multicomponent exercise regimens effectively enhanced physical performance, reduced frailty, and improved cognitive functions, particularly word memory and information processing capability in community-dwelling older adults. This approach offers practical, scalable solutions suitable for broad implementation in public health settings to mitigate frailty and cognitive decline in aging populations.

Source: Psychogeriatrics

DOI: 10.1111/psyg.70067