Effects of multicomponent training based on RPE on functional capacity and body composition in institutionalized elderly undergoing physiotherapeutic treatment: A randomized controlled clinical trial

The aim of the current study was to verify the effects of adding multicomponent training based on the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) on physical functional capacity and body composition in institutionalized older adults undergoing physiotherapeutic treatment. Twenty-three older people (12♀) were randomly allocated in blocks, according to their classification level in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), into a control group (CG, n = 11) and a multicomponent training group (MT, n = 12). The primary outcome measures were evaluated by the SPPB. Secondary outcomes were performance in the TUG test and 6-meter walking speed test, and body composition analysis. For all analyses, we used ANOVA two way with Bonferroni correction, and estimation statistics, which focus on the effect size of the experiment/intervention, as opposed to significance testing. Regarding the effect size (Cohen's D) in the intergroup analysis, the SPPB score showed a large effect favoring the multicomponent training group (d = 0.803 [CI 95.0 % -0.387, 1.89]; p = 0.0996). Similar responses were observed for the 6 m walking speed test, showing a large effect (d= -0.857 [CI 95.0 % - 1.53, 0.176]; p = 0.768), and TUG (d= -1.18 [CI 95.0 % -2.08, -0.206]; p = 0.0254. In the Body composition outcomes, the phase angle (d = 0.212 [CI 95.0 % -0.721. 1.17]; p = 0.616) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (d= -0.242 [CI 95.0 % -1.15.0.659]; p = 0.56) showed a small effect size. The current study demonstrated that the multicomponent training program associated with the physiotherapy program produces effects that can increase SPPB scores, as well improving physiotherapy performance.