Background and purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of routine and fun physical activities on degree of mobility and muscle strength in elderly residents in nursing homes in Mashhad.

Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted (in 2013-2014) in which two groups of elderly living in nursing homes in Mashhad were recruited. Data was collected using Elderly Mobility Scale and Dynamometer (T.K.K.5401). The intervention group participated in fun physical activities while the control group had routine physical activity. Both types of exercises were conducted 20 minutes every other day for 8 weeks.

Results: Significant differences were seen between the two groups in mean score of mobility and muscle strength after the intervention.

Conclusion: Motivating elderly to begin fun exercise could increase their level of activity, thereby preventing movement disorders among this population.