To investigate the effects of two different exercise interventions on cost of care, functional capacity, falls occurrence, muscle strength, and executive function in institutionalized oldest old.

A pilot study of a randomized clinical trial investigating 12 months of two exercise interventions compared to a usual care group in oldest old residents of a nursing home.

69 older patients (mean age 89.4 ± 5.1 years) completed the full baseline and post intervention measurements. Participants were randomly allocated into multicomponent exercise group (MG, n=23), calisthenics group (CALG, n = 23), and usual care group (UCG, n=23).

Primary outcome was individual cost of care, and secondary outcomes included different physical and cognitive functioning tests, as well as number of falls.

MG reduced the cost of care compared to the pre-intervention period, with the greatest difference from baseline achieved in month 12 [mean change 95% confidence interval (CI)=−330.43 (−527.06, −133.80), P=0.006], while UCG increased this outcome, with the greatest difference from baseline observed in month 12 [mean change (95%CI)=300.00 (170.27, 429.72), P=0.013]. In addition, MG significantly improved SPPB score [mean change (95% CI) = 1.21 (0.55, 1.88), P<0.001], whereas the UCG exhibited a decline in scores [mean change (95% CI) = −1.43 (−1.90, −0.97), P<0.001]. Moreover, MG group demonstrated an improvement in the number of falls [mean change (CI 95%) = −1.0 (−1.73, −0.27), P=0.003], while no significant changes were observed in UCG. Additionally, MG exhibited a significant increase in the handgrip strength (HGS) and leg press strength (P<0.001), while a decrease was observed in UCG (P<0.001). No significant changes were observed in the CALG.

A one-year multicomponent exercise intervention reduced the cost of care, improved functional capacity and muscle strength, as well as reduced falls in institutionalized oldest old.