High Intensity Walking to Reduce Frailty

Frailty is a leading cause of dependency among older adults, affects up to 60% of older
adults, and is associated with an increased risk for falls, hospitalizations,
institutionalization, and death. Exercise is the most widely recommended treatment for
improving physical function among the frailty, but the optimal type or intensity of exercise
is unknown. Walking is a preferred physical activity among older adults, however, there are
no clear guidelines on the best intensity of walking to reduce frailty. The specific goal of
this project is to compare a high intensity walking (HIW) intervention (70-80% of heart rate
maximum) to a moderate intensity walking (MIW) intervention (50-60% of heart rate maximum)
for pre-frail or frail older adults to determine the impact on frailty, mobility, balance,
quality of life, and healthcare utilization.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Receiving services from CJE SeniorLife

- Pre-frailty or frailty as determined on the SHARE-FI.

- Able to ambulate at least 10 feet with moderate assistance (<50% physical assistance)
or less. Participants will be able to use their assistive device (e.g. cane or walker)
during sessions.

- > 65 years of age

- Provision of informed consent and clearance for participation as determined by the
Exercise and Screening for You (EASY)

Exclusion Criteria:

- Uncontrolled cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, or respiratory disease that limits
exercise participation (e.g., previous heart attack within 3 months of enrollment or
uncontrolled diabetes)

- Resting blood pressure > 180/110 mmHg.59