Author(s): CORDES, T., BELOW, T., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF BREMEN, Country: GERMANY, Abstract-ID: 1637

INTRODUCTION:
Nursing home residents commonly present with frailty, accelerated loss of muscle mass, reduced mobility, and decreased functional ability and independence (Masciocchi et al., 2019). Resistance training can maintain or improve strength, mobility, and activities of daily living (ADL) in this population (Fragala et al., 2019). AI-based chatbots have been proposed as tools to support training progression and exercise recommendations. This study examined the efficacy of an AI-assisted resistance training program compared with the same program delivered without AI assistance.
METHODS:
In this randomised pre–post study, N=50 nursing home residents (81 ± 11 years) were allocated to a resistance training group (TG, n=18), an AI-assisted resistance training group (AI-TG, n=16), or a non-exercising control group (CG, n=16). Both training groups completed a 12-week instructor-led resistance training program (2 sessions/week; 45 min). Progression and exercise adaptations were based either on the instructor’s expertise alone (TG) or additionally supported by ChatGPT-4-generated recommendations (AI-TG). Outcomes were ADL (Barthel Index), handgrip strength, and functional mobility (Timed Up and Go, TUG). Data were analysed using mixed (group×time) ANOVA.
RESULTS:
No significant differences were observed between TG and AI-TG (p>0.05), and both groups showed no significant pre–post changes. In contrast, CG declined across outcomes (p < 0.01; Hedges’ g = 0.8–1.7). Significant group×time interactions were found for the Barthel Index (F(2,50) = 19.67, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.46), handgrip strength (F(2,50) = 21.08, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.47), and TUG (F(2,49) = 3.65, p = 0.03, ηp² = 0.14).
CONCLUSION:
AI-assisted resistance training may help maintain physical function in nursing home residents and appears comparable to instructor-only progression decisions. Future studies should evaluate implementation, safety, and longer-term effects.

REFERENCES:
Fragala, M. S., Cadore, E. L., Dorgo, S., Izquierdo, M., Kraemer, W. J., Peterson, M. D., & Ryan, E. D. (2019). Resistance training for older adults: Position Statement from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(8), 2019–2052. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000003230
Masciocchi, E., Maltais, M., Rolland, Y., Vellas, B., & De Souto Barreto, P. (2019). Time Effects on Physical performance in older adults in nursing Home: a narrative review. The Journal of Nutrition Health & Aging, 23(6), 586–594. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-019-1199-5