Multicomponent Exercise Program Lowers Frailty Status and Improves IGF-1 Levels and Functional Performance in Frail Elderly

Frailty is associated with an elevated risk of disability, morbidity, and mortality in older populations. Multicomponent exercise has been identified as a recommended intervention to mitigate the effects of frailty. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured multicomponent exercise program (MEP) on frailty status, serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, and functional performance in frail elderly. Elderly over 60 years were assessed for frailty status (Fried's Frailty Phenotype), serum IGF-1, and functional performance (Barthel Index, Tinetti Assessment Tool, handgrip strength, and walking speed), followed by random allocation into exercise group (EG) or control group (CG). EG attended MEP 3 times a week over 12 weeks, as well as regular activity programs, while CG participated in the regular programs only. The MEP contained moderate intensity aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises, which had been prepared as a training module. Comparison tests were then performed within and between groups using α = 0.05. A total of 33 pre-frail and frail elderly, aged 73.24 + 7.81 years, were recruited and divided into the EG (n = 17) and CG (n = 16). The results indicated significant improvements (p < 0.05) in EG's functional performance, including balance, gait, handgrip strength, and walking speed post-MEP intervention. Compared with CG, EG also had an increase in IGF-1 levels and a reduction in frailty scores. However, functional performance in ADL measured by the Barthel Index was not significantly different. The results indicated that the MEP was effective in reversing frailty status, increasing IGF-1 levels, and improving functional performances of pre-frail and frail elderly. Nevertheless, further research employing larger sample sizes and diverse methodological designs is required to validate these findings.