Fit in the Aged by Professional Training (FiAT)

The Effect of Different Training Modalities and Vitamin D Supplementation on Functionality in Prefrail Elderly Persons

Klinikum Nürnberg, Institute of Biomedicine of Aging, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Sport Science and Sport, Robert Bosch Medical Center

This intervention study tests training methods to stabilize or improve functionality in the high risk group of prefrail elderly persons.

This study aims at the improvement of muscular function by physical exercise in prefrail elderly persons. Prefrail participants are recruited according to the frailty score of Fried. Taking into account, that vitamin D supplementation reduces falls and improves muscle strength in older people, all participants are supplemented by vitamin D. Two different training methods are tested. After a run-in period of supplementation of vitamin D for two months, participants will be randomized into three different equally sized groups (n=25): Group A will receive power training. Group B will have progressive strength training. Group C will serve as a control group. They will receive a consultation about leading a healthy life with special attention being paid to nutrition and physical activity. The intervention period lasts for 12 weeks. The 60 minutes training sessions will be held two times a week by members of the Institute of Sport Science and Sports of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. Follow-up visits are scheduled three and six months after intervention period.

Inclusion Criteria: Prefrailty according to the frailty score of Fried Exclusion Criteria: Sarcoidosis Nephrolithiasis Plasmacytoma COPD Inflammatory bowel disease Rheumatoid arthritis History of cancer Instable heart disease Depression (GDS>=6) Dementia (MMSE<=24) BMI>35kg/m² Current attendance of muscle training Medication: immunosuppressive drugs

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Zech A, Drey M, Freiberger E, Hentschke C, Bauer JM, Sieber CC, Pfeifer K. Residual effects of muscle strength and muscle power training and detraining on physical function in community-dwelling prefrail older adults: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatr. 2012 Nov 7;12:68. doi: 10.1186/1471-2318-12-68.

Drey M, Zech A, Freiberger E, Bertsch T, Uter W, Sieber CC, Pfeifer K, Bauer JM. Effects of strength training versus power training on physical performance in prefrail community-dwelling older adults. Gerontology. 2012;58(3):197-204. doi: 10.1159/000332207. Epub 2011 Nov 3.