Brief daily functional strength training to improve functional performance in older adults with mobility disability: A randomized trial.

The FAST-2 intervention significantly reduced Five-Times Sit-to-Stand (FTSTS) time compared to the control group over 12 weeks.

• The intervention group decreased the FTSTS by 2.3 seconds more than the control group (95% CI: 0.5–4.1, p = 0.01).
• FTSTS was measured by video at baseline and at weeks 6 and 12.
• 97 participants were randomized: 44 to FAST-2 intervention and 53 to delayed treatment control.
• Analysis was conducted using a linear mixed-effect model.

The FAST-2 intervention significantly improved One-Legged Stance Test (OLST) performance compared to the control group over 12 weeks.

• The intervention group increased OLST by 3.6 seconds more than the control group (95% CI: 0.6–6.5, p = 0.02).
• OLST was measured by video at baseline and at weeks 6 and 12.
• The OLST is a measure of static balance performance.
• Analysis was conducted using a linear mixed-effect model.

The FAST-2 intervention significantly increased the number of chair stands in the 30-second chair stand test compared to the control group over 12 weeks.

• The intervention group increased the number of chair stands by 4.2 repetitions more than the control group (95% CI: 2.8–5.7, p < 0.001).
• The 30-second chair stand test was measured by video at baseline and at weeks 6 and 12.
• This represents the largest effect size among the three functional performance outcomes.
• Analysis was conducted using a linear mixed-effect model.

Intervention participants demonstrated high adherence to the FAST-2 workout program.

• Intervention participants completed the workout 81% of the days over the 12-week program.
• The intervention consisted of a 4-minute daily workout of four exercises lasting 30 seconds each.
• Adherence support included daily email reminders, video coaching at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 8, and biweekly performance and adherence feedback emails.
• No significant adverse events were reported.

The FAST-2 program was designed as a brief, home-based functional resistance training intervention targeting older adults with pre-existing walking difficulty.

• Eligible participants were inactive older adults aged ≥65 years with pre-existing walking difficulty.
• Participants were randomized using stratified assignment based on biological sex and age groups (65–72 and 73+).
• The program involved only 60 seconds of lower extremity exercises per day within the 4-minute total workout.
• The intervention was compared to a delayed treatment control condition over 12 weeks.
• Video coaching provided feedback on exercise form, modifications, and progression.

Adherence to national resistance training guidelines is poor among older adults, motivating the development of a brief alternative program.

• Resistance training (RT) is established to improve mobility disability in older adults.
• The FAST-2 program was designed to address poor adherence to conventional RT guidelines by offering a shorter, home-based format.
• Mobility disability is associated with functional decline in older adults.
• The study targeted inactive older adults aged ≥65 with pre-existing walking difficulty as the target population.