Physical Activity and Quality of Life among the Frail and Elderly

Background: Frailty is characterized by a cumulative diminishment of numerous physiological systems, by sensitivity to stressors and to increased risk of injury, disease and death, whose incidence significantly increases with age. This study sought to find if physical activity would be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of frailty.

Methods: The sample included 68 independent senior citizens who reside in assisted living facilities. Frailty is measured according to the Fried Phenotype for Frailty (2001). The study tools included quality of life self-report questionnaires (WHOQOL-BREF and SF-36) and physical examinations, including the Up and Go Test (Fried, 2001; Lin 2004) and the test to measure grip strength with a dynamometer (Hand Grip). The frequency of weekly physical activity was measured through a diary in which study participants logged their participation in exercise groups at the site.

Results: Significant differences were found among frail and non-frail elderly persons in terms of the amount of physical activity and overall quality of life. Perceived quality of life was found to be significantly higher among non-frail participants vs. frail participants. The study also found that higher levels of physical activity for frail elderly proved to protect them and improve their perceived physical health, bringing them closer to the level of non-frail elderly persons who perform a similar high level of physical activity.

Summary and Conclusions: Results indicate that high levels of physical activity are a protective factor for the frail elderly. The medical establishment should formulate and publish physical activity recommendations for the frail elderly.