Enhancement of Physical Fitness in Older Adults

The ageing population leads to an increase of chronic disease and disability and to a decrease of physical activity and ADL performance. This circle can be reversed by physical exercise to increase physical fitness.

The goal of this research is to establish the effects of a trainings program on ADL performance, physical fitness and nocturnal cramps. Furthermore the characteristics from participants who benefit from the program will be investigated by the research.

The study design is a randomized intervention study. Participants are elderly people, age 65 years and older, without cognitive impairment.

Intervention: The intervention is a physical trainings program. The intensity is moderate, the frequency is daily and the total duration is 6 weeks. The control group will be provided with an education program.

Main parameters are: physical fitness, nocturnal cramp severity and frequency.

Inclusion criteria

• For patients to be included in our study, they had to experience regular episodes of NLC and are in good mental health.
• The participants had to agree to the study protocol and complete the program.
• After eligibility was verified, written informed consent was obtained.

Exclusion criteria

• Older adults taking quinine or sleep medication and those with orthopedic problems or with severe medical problems and co morbidity, which can cause muscular spasms and/or cramps.