The REtirement in ACTion exercise programme and its effects on elements of long term functionality in older adults

Peter Ladlow; Max J. Western; Colin J. Greaves; Janice L. Thompson; Janet Withall; Jolanthe De Koning; Jessica C. Bollen; Sarah J. Moorlock; Jack M. Guralnik; Kenneth R. Fox; Afroditi Stathi

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1151035

The REtirement in ACTion exercise programme and its effects on elements of long term functionality in older adults

Peter Ladlow, Max J. Western, Colin J. Greaves, Janice L. Thompson, Janet Withall, Jolanthe De Koning, Jessica C. Bollen, Sarah J. Moorlock, Jack M. Guralnik, Kenneth R. Fox, Afroditi Stathi

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Background: The prevention of mobility-related disability amongst adults is a global healthcare priority. Cost-effective community-based strategies to improve physical function and independence in older adults with mobility limitations are needed. This study investigated the effectiveness of the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) exercise intervention on individual markers of physical function at 6-and 12-months. Methods: The REACT multicentre randomised controlled trial assigned 777 older adults (female, 514; male 263) (mean age 77·6 [SD 6·8] years) with reduced lower limb physical functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] score 4–9) to receive brief healthy ageing advice or a 12-month, group-based, multimodal exercise programme delivered in local communities. Estimated differences in the three individual component scores of the SPPB (strength, balance, gait speed) and physical functional outcomes recorded at 6- and 12-months were assessed. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in strength (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.36–2.59, p < 0.001) and balance (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.39–2.67, p < 0.001) at 12-months, but not in gait speed (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.91–1.90, p = 0.139). In comparison to the control group, at six-and 12-months, the intervention group reported statistically significant improvements in Mobility Assessment Tool-Short Form (MAT-SF), physical component score from SF-36 questionnaire, and strength and endurance items of subjectively reported physical activity (PASE 10-item). Greater than 75% adherence (attending ≥48 of the 64 exercise sessions delivered in 12-months) was associated with superior functional outcomes. Conclusion: The REACT exercise programme provides local, regional and national service providers with an effective solution to increase muscle strength and balance in older adults at risk of mobility disability.

Original language	English
Article number	1151035
Number of pages	15
Journal	Frontiers in Public Health
Volume	11
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1151035
Publication status	Published - 28 Jul 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding:
This work was supported by the NIHR Public Health Research
Programme (13/164/51).

Data availability statement:
The datasets presented in this study can be found in online
repositories. The names of the repository/repositories and accession
number(s) can be found at: All source data used in this study are
publicly available. The trial dataset can be accessed by contacting AS
([email protected]). All project documentation is available at
https://www.fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/13/164/51.

Funding Information:
This work was supported by the NIHR Public Health Research Programme (13/164/51).

Funding Information:
The authors wish to express our thanks to the entire REACT research team, the Clinical Research Networks at each REACT site, and all the GP practises and community organisations who supported REACT recruitment. Delivery of the REACT programme was only possible due to the support of our partners: Bath and North East Somerset Council; Exeter and Solihull City Councils; Westbank Charity; St Monica Trust, Bristol; Bristol Ageing Better; St John’s Hospital, Bath; Age UK Birmingham; Agewell, West Midlands; Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust; and the Portway Lifestyle Centre and Solihull Borough Council, Birmingham. Finally, the authors would like to thank the participants, without whom this research would not have been possible. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, or the UK Department of Health.

Funding Information:
This publication presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The views and opinions expressed by authors in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NHS, the NIHR, the PHR programme or the Department of Health and Social Care.

Keywords

ageing
balance
community
mobility disability
physical activity
strength

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Access to Document

10.3389/fpubh.2023.1151035Licence: CC BY

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1151035/full

Cite this

Ladlow, P., Western, M. J., Greaves, C. J., Thompson, J. L., Withall, J., Koning, J. D., Bollen, J. C., Moorlock, S. J., Guralnik, J. M., Fox, K. R., & Stathi, A. (2023). The REtirement in ACTion exercise programme and its effects on elements of long term functionality in older adults. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, Article 1151035. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1151035

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title = "The REtirement in ACTion exercise programme and its effects on elements of long term functionality in older adults",

abstract = "Background: The prevention of mobility-related disability amongst adults is a global healthcare priority. Cost-effective community-based strategies to improve physical function and independence in older adults with mobility limitations are needed. This study investigated the effectiveness of the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) exercise intervention on individual markers of physical function at 6-and 12-months. Methods: The REACT multicentre randomised controlled trial assigned 777 older adults (female, 514; male 263) (mean age 77·6 [SD 6·8] years) with reduced lower limb physical functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] score 4–9) to receive brief healthy ageing advice or a 12-month, group-based, multimodal exercise programme delivered in local communities. Estimated differences in the three individual component scores of the SPPB (strength, balance, gait speed) and physical functional outcomes recorded at 6- and 12-months were assessed. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in strength (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.36–2.59, p < 0.001) and balance (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.39–2.67, p < 0.001) at 12-months, but not in gait speed (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.91–1.90, p = 0.139). In comparison to the control group, at six-and 12-months, the intervention group reported statistically significant improvements in Mobility Assessment Tool-Short Form (MAT-SF), physical component score from SF-36 questionnaire, and strength and endurance items of subjectively reported physical activity (PASE 10-item). Greater than 75% adherence (attending ≥48 of the 64 exercise sessions delivered in 12-months) was associated with superior functional outcomes. Conclusion: The REACT exercise programme provides local, regional and national service providers with an effective solution to increase muscle strength and balance in older adults at risk of mobility disability.",

keywords = "ageing, balance, community, mobility disability, physical activity, strength",

author = "Peter Ladlow and Western, {Max J.} and Greaves, {Colin J.} and Thompson, {Janice L.} and Janet Withall and Koning, {Jolanthe De} and Bollen, {Jessica C.} and Moorlock, {Sarah J.} and Guralnik, {Jack M.} and Fox, {Kenneth R.} and Afroditi Stathi",

note = "Funding: This work was supported by the NIHR Public Health Research Programme (13/164/51). Data availability statement: The datasets presented in this study can be found in online repositories. The names of the repository/repositories and accession number(s) can be found at: All source data used in this study are publicly available. The trial dataset can be accessed by contacting AS ([email protected]). All project documentation is available at https://www.fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/13/164/51. Funding Information: This work was supported by the NIHR Public Health Research Programme (13/164/51). Funding Information: The authors wish to express our thanks to the entire REACT research team, the Clinical Research Networks at each REACT site, and all the GP practises and community organisations who supported REACT recruitment. Delivery of the REACT programme was only possible due to the support of our partners: Bath and North East Somerset Council; Exeter and Solihull City Councils; Westbank Charity; St Monica Trust, Bristol; Bristol Ageing Better; St John{\textquoteright}s Hospital, Bath; Age UK Birmingham; Agewell, West Midlands; Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust; and the Portway Lifestyle Centre and Solihull Borough Council, Birmingham. Finally, the authors would like to thank the participants, without whom this research would not have been possible. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, or the UK Department of Health. Funding Information: This publication presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The views and opinions expressed by authors in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NHS, the NIHR, the PHR programme or the Department of Health and Social Care. ",

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T1 - The REtirement in ACTion exercise programme and its effects on elements of long term functionality in older adults

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AU - Western, Max J.

AU - Greaves, Colin J.

AU - Thompson, Janice L.

AU - Withall, Janet

AU - Koning, Jolanthe De

AU - Bollen, Jessica C.

AU - Moorlock, Sarah J.

AU - Guralnik, Jack M.

AU - Fox, Kenneth R.

AU - Stathi, Afroditi

N1 - Funding: This work was supported by the NIHR Public Health Research Programme (13/164/51). Data availability statement: The datasets presented in this study can be found in online repositories. The names of the repository/repositories and accession number(s) can be found at: All source data used in this study are publicly available. The trial dataset can be accessed by contacting AS ([email protected]). All project documentation is available at https://www.fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/13/164/51. Funding Information: This work was supported by the NIHR Public Health Research Programme (13/164/51). Funding Information: The authors wish to express our thanks to the entire REACT research team, the Clinical Research Networks at each REACT site, and all the GP practises and community organisations who supported REACT recruitment. Delivery of the REACT programme was only possible due to the support of our partners: Bath and North East Somerset Council; Exeter and Solihull City Councils; Westbank Charity; St Monica Trust, Bristol; Bristol Ageing Better; St John’s Hospital, Bath; Age UK Birmingham; Agewell, West Midlands; Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust; and the Portway Lifestyle Centre and Solihull Borough Council, Birmingham. Finally, the authors would like to thank the participants, without whom this research would not have been possible. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, or the UK Department of Health. Funding Information: This publication presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The views and opinions expressed by authors in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NHS, the NIHR, the PHR programme or the Department of Health and Social Care.

PY - 2023/7/28

Y1 - 2023/7/28

N2 - Background: The prevention of mobility-related disability amongst adults is a global healthcare priority. Cost-effective community-based strategies to improve physical function and independence in older adults with mobility limitations are needed. This study investigated the effectiveness of the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) exercise intervention on individual markers of physical function at 6-and 12-months. Methods: The REACT multicentre randomised controlled trial assigned 777 older adults (female, 514; male 263) (mean age 77·6 [SD 6·8] years) with reduced lower limb physical functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] score 4–9) to receive brief healthy ageing advice or a 12-month, group-based, multimodal exercise programme delivered in local communities. Estimated differences in the three individual component scores of the SPPB (strength, balance, gait speed) and physical functional outcomes recorded at 6- and 12-months were assessed. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in strength (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.36–2.59, p < 0.001) and balance (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.39–2.67, p < 0.001) at 12-months, but not in gait speed (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.91–1.90, p = 0.139). In comparison to the control group, at six-and 12-months, the intervention group reported statistically significant improvements in Mobility Assessment Tool-Short Form (MAT-SF), physical component score from SF-36 questionnaire, and strength and endurance items of subjectively reported physical activity (PASE 10-item). Greater than 75% adherence (attending ≥48 of the 64 exercise sessions delivered in 12-months) was associated with superior functional outcomes. Conclusion: The REACT exercise programme provides local, regional and national service providers with an effective solution to increase muscle strength and balance in older adults at risk of mobility disability.

AB - Background: The prevention of mobility-related disability amongst adults is a global healthcare priority. Cost-effective community-based strategies to improve physical function and independence in older adults with mobility limitations are needed. This study investigated the effectiveness of the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) exercise intervention on individual markers of physical function at 6-and 12-months. Methods: The REACT multicentre randomised controlled trial assigned 777 older adults (female, 514; male 263) (mean age 77·6 [SD 6·8] years) with reduced lower limb physical functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] score 4–9) to receive brief healthy ageing advice or a 12-month, group-based, multimodal exercise programme delivered in local communities. Estimated differences in the three individual component scores of the SPPB (strength, balance, gait speed) and physical functional outcomes recorded at 6- and 12-months were assessed. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in strength (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.36–2.59, p < 0.001) and balance (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.39–2.67, p < 0.001) at 12-months, but not in gait speed (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.91–1.90, p = 0.139). In comparison to the control group, at six-and 12-months, the intervention group reported statistically significant improvements in Mobility Assessment Tool-Short Form (MAT-SF), physical component score from SF-36 questionnaire, and strength and endurance items of subjectively reported physical activity (PASE 10-item). Greater than 75% adherence (attending ≥48 of the 64 exercise sessions delivered in 12-months) was associated with superior functional outcomes. Conclusion: The REACT exercise programme provides local, regional and national service providers with an effective solution to increase muscle strength and balance in older adults at risk of mobility disability.

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M1 - 1151035

ER -

The REtirement in ACTion exercise programme and its effects on elements of long term functionality in older adults

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

The REACT Study

Cite this

The REtirement in ACTion exercise programme and its effects on elements of long term functionality in older adults

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Projects

The REACT Study

Cite this