Fun Exercise Intervention for Older Adults to Improve Intrinsic Capacity and Motivation
Design, Development, and Validation of a Recreational Exercise Intervention in Older Adults to Improve Intrinsic Capacity and Motivation: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Cardenal Herrera University
120 participants
Sep 4, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured, multicomponent recreational exercise program (FEXO: Fun Exercise for Older Adults) in improving intrinsic capacity, motivation, and adherence among community-dwelling older adults. Participants aged 60 years and older will be randomly allocated to either the FEXO group or a control group performing the established OTAGO program. The intervention will last 14 weeks, with three weekly sessions. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and after a 3-month follow-up.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older.
- Able to walk independently, with or without assistive devices (e.g., cane or walker).
- Provide written informed consent before participation.
- Willing and able to attend scheduled exercise sessions and assessments over the full duration of the study.
Exclusion Criteria6
- Presence of severe psychiatric or psychological disorders that may interfere with participation or adherence.
- Physical incapacity to perform moderate-intensity exercise safely.
- Participation in another structured multicomponent exercise program during the intervention period.
- Cognitive impairment that limits comprehension or execution of instructions, as determined by clinical evaluation.
- Recent fractures, or uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions that contraindicate exercise.
- Any medical condition judged by the investigators to contraindicate physical exercise or to pose an unacceptable risk.
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Interventions
The FEXO (Fun Exercise for Older Adults) program is a 14-week, multicomponent, recreational exercise intervention designed to enhance intrinsic capacity, motivation, and adherence in community-dwelling older adults. Participants engage in three non-consecutive, supervised group sessions per week (maximum instructor-to-participant ratio 1:15), each lasting approximately 60 minutes. The program begins with a two-week familiarization phase followed by three progressive phases (4 weeks each), with exercise intensity, repetitions, and resistance levels adjusted based on functional performance assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).
The OTAGO Exercise Program is a structured, evidence-based intervention developed to improve lower-limb strength and balance and reduce fall risk in older adults. In this study, participants in the control group will complete three non-consecutive, supervised sessions per week for a total duration of 14 weeks. Sessions will be delivered in group settings under the supervision of a licensed physiotherapist. The program includes individualized strength training for the lower extremities, progressive balance exercises, and walking routines. Although originally designed as a home-based program, in this trial it will be implemented in indoor, climate-controlled, non-slip-floor facilities provided by local institutions. The OTAGO protocol does not include recreational, cognitive, or playful components, serving instead as a standard, structured intervention against which the FEXO program will be compared.
Locations(1)
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NCT07133568