Effects of three different low-intensity exercise interventions on physical performance, muscle CSA and activities of daily living: A randomized controlled trial

•Low-intensity NMES + improves mobility in older adults.•NMES + is a better recommendation to improve physical performance and muscle CSA.•Low-intensity exercises improve the capacity to perform daily tasks.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the short-term effects of three different resistance training programs, conducted at low intensity, on physical performance, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and the capacity to perform daily tasks in older adults living in a geriatric nursing home.DesignRandomized controlled trial, with a 4-month intervention period.SettingA geriatric nursing home in Valencia, Spain.ParticipantsEighty-nine adults aged 75 to 96 who were independent in their daily activities.InterventionAfter a baseline assessment, the participants were randomly assigned to the control group or one of the three intervention groups: volitional contraction (VC; n = 22), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES; n = 22), or neuromuscular electrical stimulation superimposed onto voluntary contractions (NMES +; n = 22). The intervention focused on knee extension exercises and its intensity was set at 40% of one-repetition maximum (1RM).MeasurementsThe primary outcome measure was mobility. Secondary outcomes were rectus femoris CSA, balance, aerobic endurance, upper-body strength and the capacity to perform daily tasks. All data were collected at baseline and after the 4-month intervention period.ResultsThe two-way ANOVA analysis showed a significant group × time interaction effect for the mobility (P = .022), rectus femoris CSA (P = .001), and the capacity to perform daily tasks (P = .05). The within-group analysis found a more prominent effect in the NMES + group. Significant improvements were seen in rectus femoris CSA and the capacity to perform daily tasks in all intervention groups. Mobility only improved in the NMES + group (P = .026).ConclusionFrom a short-term perspective, NMES + exercise training, performed at low intensity, can improve physical performance, muscle CSA, and the capacity to perform daily activities, and to partially mitigate age-related consequences in older adults.