The effects of the Home-based Older People’s Exercises (HOPE) protocol on functional capacity, falls risk, fear of falling, and quality of life in older Brazilian women with sarcopenia

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Home-based Older People’s Exercise (HOPE) program on functional capacity, falls risk, fear of falling, and quality of life in sarcopenic older women living in the Brazilian Federal District. The intervention involved 20 elderly women diagnosed with sarcopenia who participated in a 12-week exercise regimen, twice a week, focusing on functional mobility, strength, and balance. Results showed significant improvements in functional capacity, including better performance in mobility tests and increased muscle strength. Specifically, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and handgrip strength improved, and the risk of falls, as well as the fear of falling, decreased significantly. However, no changes were observed in muscle mass. Additionally, quality of life, assessed through the EQ-5D scale, showed marked improvement. Despite the lack of muscle mass changes, the program demonstrated its efficacy in improving mobility, strength, and psychological aspects related to fall risk. The findings suggest that the HOPE protocol can be a valuable, low-cost intervention for improving the health and independence of frail, sarcopenic older adults.