Physical activity and patients with frailty syndrome

Abstract

Frailty syndrome, otherwise known as weakness or decline in physiologic reserve syndrome, is an important health problem for an aging population. According to the definition, it is a syndrome characterized by a decrease in the body’s physiologic reserves as a result of the accumulation of reduced efficiency of many organs and systems. The prevalence of frailty increases with age, it is intensified by the burden of chronic diseases and limitation of physical fitness. Symptoms of frailty may appear before the age of 65, although the incidence worsens in people who are 70 and older. The consequence of frailty is limited resistance to stressors and the associated susceptibility to disproportionate deterioration of the patient’s health. It has been shown that the frailty syndrome is a dynamic and partially reversible condition, therefore, it is important to introduce preventive measures which will reduce the development of frailty and contribute to improvement of health. One of the most important interventions in the prevention and treatment of frailty syndrome is regular and properly planned physical activity. The aim of the publication is to summarize the current knowledge and guidelines on planning an optimal physical activity program for this group of patients.