Effects of Senior Center-Based Frailty Prevention Integrated Programs

The final analysis included 52 participants in the experimental group and 52 in the control group (total N=104), with no dropout. Linear mixed model analysis showed statistically significant group-by-time interactions for all seven outcomes—frailty, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), right handgrip strength, left handgrip strength, depression, social network, and social support (F=17.25–77.56, all p<.001). In the experimental group, frailty (7.85?4.42) and depression (5.07?2.53) decreased, whereas SPPB (10.14?11.68), bilateral handgrip strength, social network (18.56?22.42), and social support (4.93?5.59) improved; the control group showed no significant change or changes in the opposite (worsening) direction. Accordingly, all five hypotheses were supported, and a sensitivity analysis using ANCOVA on change scores (post-pre) confirmed results in the same direction. Given the absence of randomization and baseline between-group differences in some outcomes, however, causal interpretation warrants caution.