The Seattle FICSIT/MoveIt study: the effect of exercise on gait and balance in older adults

J Am Geriatr Soc. 1993 Mar;41(3):321-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1993.tb06711.x.

Abstract

While exercise is generally recommended for older adults, the specific role of exercise in preventing falls and frail health is unclear. The Seattle FICSIT/MoveIt study is a population-based, randomized, controlled trial comparing the effects of three 6-month exercise interventions (endurance training, strength training, or combined endurance and strength training), and three 3-month endurance training interventions (stationary cycle, walking, or aerobic movement). Primary study outcomes are aerobic capacity, strength, gait, balance, and physical functional status. The study enrolls adults age 68-85 who have leg weakness and impaired gait. It differs from most previous community-based exercise studies in several respects: recruitment of subjects from a defined population; eligibility criteria based upon physiologic and functional status deficits; random assignment to exercise groups; assessment of both physiologic and functional status outcomes; follow-up beyond the completion of supervised exercise; and a large sample size (Total N = 180).

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Aged*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Exercise*
  • Gait
  • Humans
  • Postural Balance