Is High-Speed Resistance Training an Efficient and Feasible Exercise Strategy for Frail Nursing Home Residents?

Abstract

High-speed resistance training (HSRT) has been strongly recommended by experts in the field as a possible strategy to manage frailty in older adults; however, investigations to support this hypothesis are still lacking. Frailty is highly prevalent in nursing home residents and understanding if HSRT might contribute to frail patients’ care is an urgent issue. Notably, frail older adults who live in long-term institutions commonly present reduced joint flexibility and cognitive resiliency. These characteristics might reduce the efficiency and feasibility of HSRT in frail nursing home residents. In the present, an evidence-based discussion about this topic is offered.