Application of the Fitness and Nutrition Program for Seniors (FANS) to improve Physical Activity and Kinanthropometric Measures among Community-Dwelling Older Adults living with Frailty: a Quasi-experimental Study.

Abstract

Background: Due to the impact of COVID-19, telehealth technologies have become crucial for managing the health of community-dwelling older adults with frailty. This study builds upon the Fitness and Nutrition Program for Seniors (FANS), a hybrid course based on the Transtheoretical Model, which integrates both in-person and remote care tailored for this population. This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of this intervention on physical activity and kinanthropometric measures.

Methods: This quasi-experimental research involved 81 older adults from community care centers, with 43 in the experimental group receiving the FANS and 38 in the control group continuing their usual health activities. Outcome measures, evaluated using intention-to-treat analysis, included physical activity (assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery, grip strength, Timed Up and Go test, and overall activity level) and kinanthropometric measures (body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, and calf circumference). Changes over 3 and 6 months were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations.

Result: The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in all physical activity measures (p < 0.001) and mid-upper arm circumference (p < 0.001) immediately and over time. The study identified significant differences between the two groups in physical activity on the Short Physical Performance Battery, which increased by 0.66 points (p < 0.05), Five Times Sit to Stand test, which was 1.83 s faster (p < 0.05), Timed Up and Go test, which was 2.63 s faster (p < 0.001), and physical activity levels, which increased by 6.47 MET/hr (p < 0.001). Additionally, kinanthropometric measurements, such as mid-upper arm circumference, which increased by 2.28 cm (p < 0.001), and calf circumference, which increased by 1.34 cm (p < 0.01), also showed significant differences. Significant interactions (group × time) were observed between the FTSST (Wald χ² = 5.103, p < 0.05) and PA level (Wald χ² = 4.080, p < 0.05) after three months. Additionally, significant interactions were found for the TUG (Wald χ² = 6.856, p < 0.01), PA level (Wald χ² = 34.888, p < 0.001), MUAC (Wald χ² = 19.695, p < 0.001), and CC (Wald χ² = 10.181, p < 0.01) after six months.

Conclusion: The FANS proved to be a viable and effective health promotion program, significantly enhancing physical function and body measurements among frail older adults, thereby supporting their independence and well-being.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05242549 (16/02/2022).