PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a 12-wk low-intensity exercise program consisting of marching in place and chair rise on ADL and movement function in frail older men and women.METHODS: Thirty-two frail older individuals (age = 79 ± 7 yr.; Barthel index (BI) = 50 (min) ∼ 95 (max)) were assigned to either an exercise or control group. The exercise group performed rapid marching in place at a rate of 1-2 step/sec for 1 (1-4 wk) to 4 (9-12 wk) sets of 15 reps, and chair rise or half squat at a rate of 1-2 reps/sec for 2 sets of 15 reps, on 3 days/week in a nursing home. Participants were instructed to progressively increase the rate of movement during exercise. ADL was assessed by BI before and after the intervention. Chair stand mean power (CSMP/kg), determined using a linear displacement transducer, and 10-m walk time (10M) were also assessed.RESULTS: Significant (p<0.05) improvements were found for ADL score (77 to 86, 15.0% improvement), 10M (12.5 to 10.6 sec, 14.6% improvement) and CSMP/kg (1.2 to 1.6 W/kg, 32.9% improvement). There were no changes in the control group.CONCLUSIONS: Progressively increasing the rate of performing low-intensity exercise consisting of marching in place and chair rise seems effective in improving ADL and movement function (power and walking speed) in frail older adults.