Numerous studies have reported the benefits of physical exercise in older adults. However, studies performed in long-term nursing home (LTNH) residents are scarce. A literature search was conducted to identify physical exercise intervention studies that were randomized and controlled and that assessed gait ability in older LTNH residents using both walking speed and timed up-and-go (TUG) tests simultaneously. Together, these tests have been defined under the term "gait ability"; they are widely used to screen for impaired physical function, and can predict accelerated functional decline, difficulty with activities of daily living (ADL), falls, and disability in older adults. Multicomponent physical exercise programs are effective in improving or maintaining gait ability in older LTNH residents. The studies included in this review show substantial heterogeneity in terms of participant characteristics (age, baseline TUG performance, and walking speed), types of evaluated intervention (multicomponent and gait retraining programs), duration of the intervention (ranging from four weeks to 12 months), duration of physical exercise sessions (ranging from 30 min to 1 h), and exercise intensity (from 40% to 60-70% RM). Due to this heterogeneity, no firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the impact of exercise programs on gait ability in LTNH residents. However, the results of this review should encourage the gathering of additional evidence to support the use of multicomponent exercise programs by older individuals.
Keywords: Gait ability; Gait speed; Nursing home; Physical exercise program; Systematic review; Timed up-and-go.
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