A Multicomponent Exercise Program's Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life of Institutionalized Elderly

Objective To determine the effects of a multicomponent exercise program on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Design A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used in the study. Setting Participants were recruited from the public-funded shelter home located in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Participants The experimental group consisted of 27 volunteers older than 60 years who performed 60 minutes of aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance training 3 times a week for 12 weeks, supervised by a physiotherapist. The control group consisted of 25 volunteers who continued with their current level of activity. Main outcome measures Physical health component summary (PCS) and mental health component summary (MCS) of the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey HRQOL. Results The exercise group increased in the level of PCS and MCS by 8.4% (P .05), respectively. The control group shows decline in PCS and MCS by 9.3% (P .05), respectively. Conclusions This study suggests that a multicomponent exercise program may improve HRQOL among institutionalized elderly.