Health Enhancing Strength Training in Nonagenarians

The Health Enhancing Strength Training in Nonagenarians (STRONG) is a randomised control trial to assess the effectiveness of an aerobic and strength training program for improving functional capacity and quality of life in nonagenarians. Sixty (51 women) nonagenarians (age range: 90-102 years) who live in a geriatric nursing home will be randomly assigned to either a usual care (control) group (n=30) or an intervention (training) group (n=30). Participants allocated in the usual care group will receive general physical activity guidelines and participants allocated in the intervention group will also enroll in three weekly non-consecutive individualized training sessions (~45-50 min each) during 8 weeks. The exercise program will consist of muscular strength [with a special focus on leg press at 30% (start of the program) to 70% 1 repetition maximum (end)] and aerobic exercises (cycle-ergometry during 3-5 to 15 minutes at 12-14 points in the rate of perceived exertion scale). Results from STRONG will help to better understand the potential of regular physical activity for improving the well-being of the oldest population groups.