Protective effects of elastic band training-detraining on Fall risk, power, body composition, and cognition in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A 40-week trial

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity exacerbates muscle function and mass loss, increasing the risk of falls in older adults. Regular exercise can prevent muscle loss, cognitive decline, and comorbidities, potentially reducing fall risk. Given the multifactorial nature of fall risk, a comprehensive assessment is required. Objective: To investigate the effects of a 40-week intervention, including a long-term exercise program (16- weeks), detraining (8-weeks), and retraining (16-weeks), on fall risk and cognitive status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methods: Participants (≥70 years old) were divided into two groups: Elastic Band Resistance Training (EBRT, n = 22) and a control group with no treatment (n = 20). Cognitive profile, body composition, muscle power, and multifactorial fall risk assessments (Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), Fall Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT), and sensorimotor platform) were evaluated at four time points. Results: Significant correlations between muscle power, fat-free mass, and cognitive status with fall risk assessments were observed at baseline. Both phases of the exercise intervention improved muscle power, body composition, cognitive profile, and fall risk status. The EBRT group showed significant improvements in muscle power (p ≤ 0.01), fall risk (FRAT, p ≤ 0.01), FES (p ≤ 0.05), sensorimotor performance (p ≤ 0.001), TUG (p ≤ 0.001), and cognitive status (MoCA, p ≤ 0.05). Protective effects persisted during the detraining phase. Conclusion: This study highlights significant improvements in fall risk assessment induced by EBRT, demonstrating its protective effects. The findings suggest that EBRT can enhance aspects related to fall risk, offering promising avenues for improving independence and quality of life in older adults prone to falls.