Response and Adherence of Nursing Home Residents to a Nutrition and Exercise Intervention

This peer-reviewed study, published in JAMDA, explores the effectiveness of combining protein-rich oral nutritional supplements (ONS) with simple sit-to-stand (STS) exercises in nursing home residents aged 75 and older. Conducted across eight Swedish nursing homes, this post-hoc analysis of the OPEN Study examined which residents responded best to the intervention and which factors influenced adherence. Results showed that participants with sarcopenia at baseline and high adherence to ONS experienced the greatest improvements in muscle function, particularly in the 30-second Chair Stand Test. Independence in daily activities also increased the likelihood of adherence to both exercise and nutrition components.

Key Benefits for Healthcare Professionals

This study provides practical insights to help you:

• Identify factors predicting positive response to nutrition and exercise interventions in older adults

• Understand how sarcopenia, functional independence, and self-perceived health influence outcomes

• Evaluate the importance of adherence to oral nutritional supplements and exercise for functional gains

• Recognize how tailored interventions can improve physical performance and body composition in frail populations

• Apply evidence-based strategies to support adherence and optimize outcomes in long-term care

Download the Full Publication

Click “View Content” or download the article directly on our page to access the complete peer-reviewed publication. Inside, you will find detailed data analyses, adherence patterns, and clinical recommendations to guide nutrition- and exercise-based care for older adults in nursing homes.