Alex Ormazabal Astudillo
Universidad del Alba, Chillan, Chile
Abstract Title:
Effect of Multicomponent Exercises on Functional Physical Abilities in Older Adults with Mild Dependency
Biography:
Alex Eduardo Ormazábal Astudillo, a Physical Therapist with a Master's degree in University Teaching, works as an academic in the field of geriatrics and aging, with experience in undergraduate education and curriculum development. He has completed several specialization courses in aging, geriatrics, and geriatric rehabilitation. He also practices clinically in geriatrics, focusing his work on improving functional capacity and promoting the quality of life of older adults. He has led and participated in projects aimed at this population, integrating teaching, clinical practice, and research with a biopsychosocial and evidence-based approach.
Research Interests:
The prevention and management of functional dependence in older adults (OA) is a major health challenge in Chile. Physical exercise is the most common non-drug intervention used in social and healthcare programs. Many types of exercise programs exist, with multicomponent exercise being among the most effective for independent OA, improving physical function. However, its effects on OA are rarely studied.
The purpose of this study is to determine how effective multicomponent exercise is in improving gait speed, stability, and functional abilities in OA with mild dependence.
This quantitative, quasi-experimental, cross-sectional study, lacking a control group, involved a multicomponent exercise program conducted over four weeks with 15 participants attending a Chilean day center. The protocol included 45-minute sessions three times a week. Before and after the intervention, static balance was assessed with the Single-Leg Stance Test, dynamic balance with the Time Up and Go Test, gait speed with the 6-Meter Walk Speed Test, and functional abilities with the Barthel Index. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to identify significant differences in these measures before and after the intervention.
After completing the program, improvements were seen in the Barthel Index (p=0.033), Gait Speed Test (p=0.055), Time Up and Go (p=0.022), and Single-Leg Standing Test (p=0.001 on both sides).
Multicomponent exercise programs enhance functional abilities, gait speed, and stability in older adults with mild dependence. This study is planned to be replicated in older adults with moderate dependence, and the use of these programs is being promoted for older adults beyond those who are fully independent.
Keywords: gait speed, stability, functionality, multicomponent exercises, older adults.
