The Effectiveness of a Program Combining Physical Exercise and Nutritional Protocol in Promoting Healthy Aging and Improving Functional Efficiency in the Elderly

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the effectiveness of a program combining physical exercise and nutritional protocol in promoting healthy aging and improving functional efficiency in the elderly. The researcher used an experimental approach with a single pre- and post-test design. The research sample consisted of (10) elderly individuals aged between (60-70) years. The intervention program lasted for two months, with three training sessions per week, including muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, and balance exercises, along with a nutritional protocol prepared according to the participants' needs. The researcher used tests such as sitting and standing for (30) seconds, arm flexion for (30) seconds, walking for (6) minutes, and the TUG (Top-Standing-Walk) test to measure functional efficiency.

The results showed statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-tests, favoring the post-test, across all research variables. This indicates the program's effectiveness in improving muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, dynamic balance, and functional efficiency, and its contribution to promoting healthy aging in older adults.