A Home-based Resistance Training Program to Reduce Pre-frailty in Middle-aged Adults: a Proof-of-concept Randomised Controlled Trial

It is not known if resistance training reduces pre-frailty in community-dwelling middle-aged adults (50-65 years). This proof-of-concept study aimed to determine the feasibility (participant recruitment, intervention fidelity, acceptability, and burden) of a novel, preventative intervention for pre-frailty in this frequently overlooked age group. Sixteen pre-frail adults (mean age 57.9 SD = 4.1, 88% female) were randomly allocated into intervention (n = 7) and control (n = 9) groups. Both groups were similar at baseline. Intervention participants completed a six-week, home-based, progressively overloaded, resistance training program. Control participants followed their usual routine. Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated via an exit survey. Preliminary effectiveness was explored through between- and within- group pre-post changes in Fried Frailty score, Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale, six-minute walk test, and hand grip strength. The level of significance for the study was p < 0.05. The intervention had high self-reported adherence rates and perceived ease of incorporation into daily routines. Compared to the control, the intervention produced significantly greater improvements in pre-frailty status (p = .046) and hand grip strength (p = .004). Home-based resistance training appears to be feasible, acceptable, and potentially effective in decreasing pre-frailty status and improving physical function in middle aged community dwelling adults.