Abstract
Frailty can be prevented and fought by early recognition and treatment of pre-frail older adults.
Scientific literature demonstrated that regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as the risk of falls.
A multimodal exercise program, which includes strength and power training, cardiopulmonary workout, and balance and proprioceptive exercises, seems the most effective for frail older adults.
When starting a training program, it is always important to find the appropriate level of intensity and frequency as well as the correct level of progression for every trainee. A significant factor related to the adhesion and maintenance of an exercise program is the increase of independence (self-efficacy). A highly relevant role in motivation and in continuing regular physical activity is also played by the caregiver figure.
In conclusion, a personalized multimodal training which takes into account patient’s health, functional status, and the social context, associated with nutritional supplementation, is probably the best approach to fight against the frailty consequences.
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Figures courtesy of Monteverde Filippo and Sette Beatrice, Liceo Artistico Selvatico, Padua, Italy.
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Musumeci, A., Pignataro, A., Ferlito, E., Lazzari, V., Zatti, H., Masiero, S. (2018). Exercise for Frail Older Adults. In: Masiero, S., Carraro, U. (eds) Rehabilitation Medicine for Elderly Patients. Practical Issues in Geriatrics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57406-6_9
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