Reducing Falls With Progressive Resistance Training for the Oldest Old Adults With Sarcopenia

This study will investigate the effects of 12 months of high-intensity progressive resistance training compared with a control group on fall-rate in older adults with sarcopenia.

Inclusion Criteria:Aged 80 years or olderLow muscular strength (grip strength: <34.8 kg for males and <18.8 kg for females or chair stand >15 seconds)Community-dwelling incl. independent senior housingAmbulatory without supervision or physical assistance from another person. Assistive devices such as canes/crutches allowed.Able to see and hear sufficiently to undertake assessments and partake in the planned exercise training.Exclusion Criteria:Pre-existing diagnosis of dementiaModerate or severe cognitive impairment (score <18 on the Mini-Mental State Examination)Living in institutional careNon-ambulatory or requiring person, wheelchair, or stroller to assist when walkingDegenerative neurological and neuromuscular disease/disorder significantly influencing gait and mobility (e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS] and Parkinson's disease).Amputation (other than toes)Contraindications to resistance trainingRecent (past 12 months) or unstable fractureInability to comply with study requirementsCurrently undertaking progressive resistance training