Randomized Controlled Trial of Exercise to Improve Walking Energetics in Older Adults.

Background And Objectives: Mobility limitation is common and has been linked to high energetic requirements of daily activities, including walking. The study objective was to determine whether two separate forms of exercise could reduce the energy cost of walking and secondary outcomes related to activity and participation domains among older adults with mobility limitation.

Research Design And Methods: Community-dwelling older adults with self-reported mobility limitation ( = 72) were randomized to 12 weeks of twice-weekly, group-based, instructor-led timing and coordination, aerobic walking, or stretching and relaxation (active control) programs.