Author(s): BOCHICCHIO, G., FERRARI, L., BOTTARI, A., CAVEDON, V., MILANESE, C., LUCERTINI, F., POGLIAGHI, S., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF VERONA, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 2241

INTRODUCTION:
Aging is characterized by a natural decline in muscle mass, physical function, muscle strength, and power. Home-based resistance training interventions have gained increasing attention from scientists and healthcare system operators, but their efficacy is yet to be fully determined (1). Among the innovative solutions that have been proposed by the industry, the Kari® system combines a web-based prescription platform with a home-kit. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to verify the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a 6-month home-based resistance training program with an innovative technological solution, in healthy older adults.
METHODS:
73 subjects (36 females) were randomly allocated to either a control (C, n: 27, age 66.6 ± 6.2 years; body mass 72.1 ± 13.8 kg; height 1.67 ± 0.10 m) or an intervention (I, n: 46, age 67.1 ± 5.8 years; body mass 74.2 ± 15.5 kg; height 1.68 ± 0.09 m) group. I group underwent a 6-month home-based resistance training program utilizing an innovative technological solution, which included a wearable inertial sensor and a dedicated tablet (Kari® system, Euleria, Trento). The safety and feasibility of the Kari® system were assessed by recording training-related adverse events and training adherence. Body composition, standing static balance, 10-meter walking, and loaded 5 sit-to-stand tests were performed at the beginning (T0), midpoint (T3), and conclusion of the experimental protocol (T6).
RESULTS:
No adverse events were recorded. Adherence to the training program was relatively high (61% of participants performed the target 3 sessions) in the first trimester, while it significantly dropped (-19%) during the second one. The intervention positively affected walking parameters (T0-T6: speed +10.4%, cadence +4.8%, step length +5.1%, and double support -4.7%; p< 0.05) and maximal force (T0-T6: +9.4%, p= 0.009) while marginal or no effect was recorded on body composition, balance, and muscle power.
CONCLUSION:
The Kari® system was a safe and feasible solution that provided short-terms high adherence and seems to positively affect walking parameters and lower limbs maximal force. This approach should be incentivized when barriers to participation in traditional resistance exercise programs are present.

1. Chaabene H, Prieske O, Herz M, Moran J, Höhne J, Kliegl R, et al. Home-based exercise programmes improve physical fitness of healthy older adults: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis with relevance for COVID-19. Ageing Res Rev. 2021;67(January).