Which exercise would be most beneficial in an exercise program for a patient exhibiting frailty?

The most beneficial exercise for a patient exhibiting frailty is the sit to stand and/or leg press at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). This type of exercise is powerful for promoting strength and functional mobility, which are critical components in managing frailty.

Frailty is often characterized by weakness, reduced endurance, and decreased functional capacity, making strength training essential for improving overall muscle function and physical performance. Engaging in resistance exercises such as leg presses can help reverse muscle atrophy and enhance muscle strength. Performing them at a higher intensity, such as 80% of 1RM, stimulates greater muscle hypertrophy and supports functional gains that will help the patient perform daily activities with more independence and confidence.

Additionally, strength training at this intensity can improve muscle power, which is important for activities like rising from a chair or climbing stairs—tasks that the frail often struggle with. Therefore, implementing a program that challenges the patient's strength is advantageous in managing frailty.

In contrast, ankle pumps focus primarily on mobility and may not adequately address the musculature necessary to combat frailty. Exercises at less than 40% of 1RM lack the intensity required to stimulate significant strength gains, and hip abduction in side-lying is a