(06-01-06) Positive effects of aerobic physical activity in institutionalized older subjects complaining of dyspnea.

Bo M, Fontana M, Mantelli M, Molaschi M.

Section of Geriatrics, Department of Medical and Surgical Disciplines, Azienda Ospedaliera San Giovanni Battista-Molinette, C.so Bramante 88, 10126 Turin, Italy.

Dyspnea is a common complaint in older subjects, but in some patients a disease responsible for this symptom is not found. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a short program of regular aerobic physical activity on dyspnea and ability to walk in a sample of older nursing home residents without evidence of cardiac and pulmonary disease. Limitation from dyspnea in daily activities was reported by 82% of residents; 34% of these individuals did not show any evidence of cardiac or pulmonary disease. In these subjects a 4-week period of daily exercise training compared with no intervention resulted in a significant improvement of dyspnea and endurance to walking. Dyspnea is an extremely common complaint in elderly residents in long-term facilities. About one-third of these subjects do not show evidence of cardiac or pulmonary disease. In these individuals a short period of exercise training has favorable effects on dyspnea and ability to walk.


Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2005 Dec 5; [Epub ahead of print]

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