Loss of function and low exercise adherence is common among older people after hospitalization. The aim of this randomized-controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a combined counseling- and exercise program on changes in health-related quality of life (HRQL) and physical function in patients attending a day hospital and continuing exercise at home. The exercise program consisted of counseling, balance- and progressive resistance training and support from the physical therapist at Geriatric Day-Hospital (GDH) and home for the Intervention-group. The Control-group received counseling, balance-training and support from the physical therapist. The sample was recruited from a GDH in Norway. 108 participants were randomized into the Intervention group (IT) (n=53) or the Control group (CT) (n=55). After 3 months 77 participants were tested. The intention to treat analysis showed that the program had significant benefits in terms of Health Related Quality of Life, measured by SF-36, on the domains vitality and bodily pain, in favor of the IT-group who performed the combined resistance exercises and balance program. All participants increased their scores on physical function, measured by Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go, 5 times Sit-to-Stand, 6 Min Walk Test and Activities Balance Confidence Scale, no group differences. Both groups were adherent to the home exercise program The results show that it is possible to facilitate older people to increase their HRQL, physical function and level of physical activity through counseling, exercise and support from physical therapists.
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