Loss of benefits after cessation of exercise interventions in nursing home residents: randomized controlled trial follow-up

Exercise interventions improve physical fitness, cognitive and affective function, and quality of life among nursing home residents. However, little is known regarding the consequences of cessation of activity, or detraining. We analyzed physical fitness, physical activity level, cognitive function, quality of life, and loneli-ness during a 6-month observational follow-up after a 6-month randomized controlled trial in which nursing home residents performed either routine activities (control group) or group-based exercise (intervention group). The intervention group showed an important decline in most physical fitness and cognitive function parameters after a 6-month detraining period. These results highlight the importance of recreation as part of residents' care needs, and exercise should therefore be implemented continuously. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Exercise interventions can improve physical fitness, cognitive function, and quality of life among nursing home residents, but ceasing activity or detraining can lead to a decline in these parameters. Therefore, continuous exercise is crucial for the health and well-being of residents.