Older adults experience declines in physical and cognitive function. This study aimed to compare the effects of combined resistance and mobilization exercises focused on the hip versus the ankle joint on lower limb strength, gait speed, fear of falling, and cognitive function in men over 75 years of age.

This was a randomized controlled trial . Forty-five elderly men (age ≥75 years) residing in three care centers in Tehran were randomly assigned to three groups using a simple random method with a computer-generated random number table: hip exercise, ankle exercise, and control. Allocation was concealed using opaque, numbered, sealed envelopes. Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation. The exercise groups performed combined training (resistance + mobilization) for 8 weeks (3 sessions/week); the control group continued their daily activities. The primary outcome was lower limb strength (30-second sit-to-stand test), and secondary outcomes included gait speed (10-meter walk test), fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale – International, FES-I), and cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction.

Of the 45 participants, 42 were analyzed (14 per group). Both exercise groups showed significant improvements in all outcomes compared to the control group (P<0.001). The hip exercise group showed greater improvement in lower limb strength than the ankle exercise group (P=0.02). No significant differences were found between the two exercise groups in other outcomes. No adverse events were reported.

Combined exercises focused on either the hip or ankle improve physical and cognitive function in older adults.