Some gain for a small investment: An economic evaluation of an exercise program for people living in residential aged care

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a 12-week Exercise Physiology (EP) program for people living in a residential aged care facility.

Methods: A within-study pre- and postintervention design to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios per quality-adjusted life years gained. A health service provider perspective was used.

Results: Fifty-nine participants enrolled in a 12-week program. The program cost was A$514.30 per resident. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of A$64 000, the likelihood of being cost-effective of the program is approximately 60%, due to a small increase in participants' quality of life, as reported by care staff. The model showed great variance, depending on who rated the participants' quality of life outcomes.

Conclusion: It is uncertain that a 12-week EP program is cost-effective based on the evidence of the current trial. However, it appears that a low-cost program can produce small improvements for residents in care facilities.