Efficacy of the power centering for seniors intervention on physical functional performance in older community-dwelling adults: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial

Abstract Maintaining physical function and mobility is essential for older adults to preserve independence, reduce fall risk, and minimise dependence on care. “Power Centering for Seniors” (PCS) is a mindfulness-based, proprioceptive training programme combining Tai Chi and Qi Gong with functional s...

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Main Authors: Roland Rössler, Mathias Birrer, Aaron Haslbauer, Jay Goldfarb, Anton De Spiegeleer, Irene Härdi, Reto W. Kressig
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-08-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-13404-6
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author Roland Rössler
Mathias Birrer
Aaron Haslbauer
Jay Goldfarb
Anton De Spiegeleer
Irene Härdi
Reto W. Kressig
author_facet Roland Rössler
Mathias Birrer
Aaron Haslbauer
Jay Goldfarb
Anton De Spiegeleer
Irene Härdi
Reto W. Kressig
author_sort Roland Rössler
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Maintaining physical function and mobility is essential for older adults to preserve independence, reduce fall risk, and minimise dependence on care. “Power Centering for Seniors” (PCS) is a mindfulness-based, proprioceptive training programme combining Tai Chi and Qi Gong with functional strength and balance practices. This study assessed the efficacy of the PCS programme on physical functional performance in older community-dwelling adults. The study included 57 participants aged 70 years or older, randomised into an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). The PCS intervention consisted of 24 supervised sessions over 12 weeks, with additional home exercises. Physical functional performance was measured using the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance 10 (CS-PFP-10) test, focusing on the subdomain Lower Body Strength and Balance & Coordination. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyse the data, adjusting for baseline CS-PFP-10 scores, sex, and age. Fifty-one participants completed the study. The PCS intervention led to non-significant improvements in the CS-PFP-10 total score compared to the CG, with an adjusted difference of 2.05 points (95% CI: −0.78 to 4.89; p = 0.163; Cohen’s d = 0.403). Similar trends were observed in the sub-scores for Lower Body Strength (adjusted difference: 2.84, 95% CI: −0.21 to 5.90; p = 0.074; Cohen’s d = 0.517) and Balance & Coordination (adjusted difference: 3.34, 95% CI: −0.09 to 6.79; p = 0.063; Cohen’s d = 0.541). The PCS intervention showed potential for improving physical function in older adults in areas critical for maintaining mobility and independence. While trends were favourable, the results did not reach statistical significance. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04861831; date of registration: April 27, 2021.
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spelling doaj-art-d2f417e757064618bcb57fd964154ab12025-08-20T04:03:02ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-08-0115111010.1038/s41598-025-13404-6Efficacy of the power centering for seniors intervention on physical functional performance in older community-dwelling adults: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trialRoland Rössler0Mathias Birrer1Aaron Haslbauer2Jay Goldfarb3Anton De Spiegeleer4Irene Härdi5Reto W. Kressig6Department of Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER, University of Basel and UniversityDepartment of Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER, University of Basel and UniversityDepartment of Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER, University of Basel and UniversityLegacy of Wisdom Swiss AssociationTranslational Research in Immunosenescence, Gerontology and Geriatrics (TRIGG) Group, Ghent UniversityDepartment of Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER, University of Basel and UniversityDepartment of Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER, University of Basel and UniversityAbstract Maintaining physical function and mobility is essential for older adults to preserve independence, reduce fall risk, and minimise dependence on care. “Power Centering for Seniors” (PCS) is a mindfulness-based, proprioceptive training programme combining Tai Chi and Qi Gong with functional strength and balance practices. This study assessed the efficacy of the PCS programme on physical functional performance in older community-dwelling adults. The study included 57 participants aged 70 years or older, randomised into an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). The PCS intervention consisted of 24 supervised sessions over 12 weeks, with additional home exercises. Physical functional performance was measured using the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance 10 (CS-PFP-10) test, focusing on the subdomain Lower Body Strength and Balance & Coordination. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyse the data, adjusting for baseline CS-PFP-10 scores, sex, and age. Fifty-one participants completed the study. The PCS intervention led to non-significant improvements in the CS-PFP-10 total score compared to the CG, with an adjusted difference of 2.05 points (95% CI: −0.78 to 4.89; p = 0.163; Cohen’s d = 0.403). Similar trends were observed in the sub-scores for Lower Body Strength (adjusted difference: 2.84, 95% CI: −0.21 to 5.90; p = 0.074; Cohen’s d = 0.517) and Balance & Coordination (adjusted difference: 3.34, 95% CI: −0.09 to 6.79; p = 0.063; Cohen’s d = 0.541). The PCS intervention showed potential for improving physical function in older adults in areas critical for maintaining mobility and independence. While trends were favourable, the results did not reach statistical significance. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04861831; date of registration: April 27, 2021.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-13404-6RCTGeriatric medicineQuality of lifePhysical functional performanceActivities of daily lifeQi Gong
spellingShingle Roland Rössler
Mathias Birrer
Aaron Haslbauer
Jay Goldfarb
Anton De Spiegeleer
Irene Härdi
Reto W. Kressig
Efficacy of the power centering for seniors intervention on physical functional performance in older community-dwelling adults: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Scientific Reports
RCT
Geriatric medicine
Quality of life
Physical functional performance
Activities of daily life
Qi Gong
title Efficacy of the power centering for seniors intervention on physical functional performance in older community-dwelling adults: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
title_full Efficacy of the power centering for seniors intervention on physical functional performance in older community-dwelling adults: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
title_fullStr Efficacy of the power centering for seniors intervention on physical functional performance in older community-dwelling adults: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
title_full_unstemmed Efficacy of the power centering for seniors intervention on physical functional performance in older community-dwelling adults: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
title_short Efficacy of the power centering for seniors intervention on physical functional performance in older community-dwelling adults: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
title_sort efficacy of the power centering for seniors intervention on physical functional performance in older community dwelling adults a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
topic RCT
Geriatric medicine
Quality of life
Physical functional performance
Activities of daily life
Qi Gong
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-13404-6
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