Präventive Sportmedizin und Sportkardiologie der TUM

Background and Aim

The scientific study phase of bestform consists of two stages, designed to develop and evaluate an effective comprehensive exercise concept in senior care facilities.

In the first step, a pilot study was conducted in two senior residences to examine whether a multimodal, equipment-based training program is feasible and practicable in such settings.

In the second step, a cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) with more than 400 participants is currently investigating the effectiveness of the bestform training program. This makes bestform one of the largest studies worldwide to examine the effects of multimodal training in older and oldest old adults.

The goal is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the bestform program and, based on this evidence, to establish the bestform-exercise concept in many senior care facilities across Germany and above.

Pilot Study

In a pilot study with 77 participants aged between 74 and over 100 years in two senior residences, the feasibility and safety of the six-month training program were already demonstrated. The seniors took part in the training regularly and with enjoyment, reporting both physical and psychological improvements. Since the conclusion of the study, the bestform training room has become a permanent institution in both facilities, and the residents continue to participate enthusiastically in the training.

Cluster-Randomized bestform Study (RCT)

Following the successful pilot study, we are currently conducting a cluster-randomized longitudinal study in 21 senior care facilities with around 400 participants. The bestform RCT investigates the effects of a six-month bestform training program on physical function, risk of falls, cardiometabolic factors, and other health parameters in older adults.

In 11 of the facilities, the multimodal training program is being carried out over a period of six months. The remaining 10 facilities serve as a control group; after the study phase, they will have the opportunity to receive support in implementing the bestform training. Allocation to the groups is randomized.

Before the exercise intervention, after three and six months, all study participants undergo comprehensive medical examinations. In addition, physical function tests and questionnaires are used to assess subjective health and functional capacity.

Publications

Weiß, M., Mende, E., Schaller, N., Krusemark, H., Spanier, B., Zelger, O., Bischof, J., Haller, B., Halle, M., & Siegrist, M. (2024). Adherence and potential factors of adherence to a resistance, coordination and endurance training in older retirement home residents over 6 months. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 34(2), e14576. doi: 10.1111/sms.14576
M. Siegrist, N. Schaller, M. Weiß, J. Isaak, V. Schmid, E. Köppel, M. Weichenberger, E. Mende, B. Haller & M. Halle. Study protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial assessing a multimodal machine-based exercise training programme in senior care facilities over 6 months – the bestform study (best function of range of motion). BMC Geriatr. 2023 Aug 22;23(1):505. doi: 10.1186/s12877-023-04176-7.
Schaller N, Krusemark H, Mende E, Weiß M, Spanier B, Zelger O, Bischof J, Haller B, Halle M, Siegrist M. Bestform-F - Best Function of Range of Motion: A Feasibility Study of a Multimodal Exercise Training Program for Older Adults in Retirement Homes. Clin Interv Aging. 2022 Jul 11;17:1069-1080. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S367858. PMID: 35846178; PMCID: PMC9286070.
Mende, E., Moeinnia, N., Schaller, N., Weiß, M., Haller, B., Halle, M., & Siegrist, M. (2022). Progressive machine-based resistance training for prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in the oldest old: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Experimental gerontology, 163, 111767. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.111767

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