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Can an exercise program in primary care help older adults with frailty?

Opening soon · Fundacio d'Investigacio en Atencio Primaria Jordi Gol i Gurina

What this means

This trial plans to test a 12-week exercise program for frail older adults at primary care centers. It has not started recruiting, so it cannot yet show whether the program works.

Plain-English summary written by an AI model from the registry listing.

Status
Opening soon
Who can join
Ages 65 and over · 60 older adults aged 65 or older, planned in Catalonia, Spain
Where
Not listed

Contacts and how to join ↗

The science

Registered title
Effect of a Multicomponent Therapeutic Exercise Program in Primary Care on Frailty and Sarcopenia in Older Adults
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
interventional
Conditions
Frailty, Sarcopenia, Aging, Exercises Therapy
What is tested
12-week multicomponent therapeutic exercise program including supervised and home-based sessions focused on strength, balance, mobility, and aerobic capacity, Placebo Pre-Treat
Sponsor
Fundacio d'Investigacio en Atencio Primaria Jordi Gol i Gurina
Ages
65 Years to no maximum
Dates
First posted Aug 20, 2025 · updated Aug 27, 2025

Registry summary

Background:

Frailty and sarcopenia are common conditions in older adults that increase the risk of disability, dependence, and hospitalizations. Frailty is characterized by decreased physiological reserve and functional capacity, while sarcopenia refers to the loss of muscle mass, strength, and performance. Both conditions are prevalent among older adults and represent a growing public health challenge as the population ages.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent therapeutic exercise program in reducing frailty and improving clinical parameters related to sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older who attend primary care centers.

Study Design:

This is a quasi-experimental, multicenter, single-group pre-post clinical trial. The study includes two phases: a control phase (pre-intervention observation) and an experimental phase (intervention). Each participant will act as their own control.

Participants:

60 older adults aged 65 or older will be recruited from primary care centers in the Baix Llobregat region (Catalonia, Spain). Eligibility criteria include mild to moderate frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale 4-6), ability to walk independently (with or without a walking aid), cognitive ability to follow instructions (MMSE ≥ 20), and clinical stability. Exclusion criteria include severe frailty, major cognitive impairment, acute illness, or participation in another structured exercise program.

Intervention:

Participants will take part in a 12-week multicomponent exercise program including 8 supervised sessions at the primary care center and 4 home-based sessions. Each session will last 60 minutes and include strength training, balance exercises, aerobic activity, and flexibility. The program follows FITT-VP principles (frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression). Home sessions will be supported with illustrated manuals and biweekly follow-up calls.

Outcomes:

The primary outcome is the change in frailty level measured by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Secondary outcomes include handgrip strength, SARC-F score, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 4-meter walk test, Timed Up and Go (TUG), muscle mass index, rectus femoris and vastus lateralis ultrasound, cognitive status (MMSE), nutritional status (MNA-SF), falls, and hospitalizations. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (month 0), after the control phase (month 3), and after the intervention (month 6).

Significance:

This study will provide evidence on the medium-term effectiveness of a short, structured, and feasible intervention implemented in real-life primary care settings. If effective, this program could be integrated into preventive strategies to reduce frailty and sarcopenia, promote autonomy, and improve the quality of life among older adults. Results will inform clinical guidelines and contribute to the development of scalable interventions for aging populations.

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