EFFECTS OF COMMUNITY-BASED EXERCISE PROGRAM ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH OF OLDER WOMEN

Purpose. Breast cancer and oncological treatment can result in significant acute and late localized and systemic negative effects on health-related physical fitness and physical function. The aim of this single-arm study was to examine the effects of a 12-week community-based multimodal exercise program on health-related physical fitness and physical function in breast cancer survivors. Methods. A total of 52 female breast cancer survivors (mean age = 59.7 ± 10.4 years) completed supervised exercise training consisting of (1) aerobic conditioning, (2) resistance training, and (3) balance and flexibility training, for 30 minutes each, totaling 90 minutes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Pretreatment and posttreatment outcome measures—mobility: (1) Timed Up and Go (TUG) and (2) 6-minute walk test (6MWT); muscular strength: (3) leg press strength and (4) chest press strength; upper-extremity flexibility: (5) back scratch test; and balance: (6) functional reach (FR) and (7) single-leg stance time—were assessed and compared. Results. Postintervention assessment measures given as percentage improvement and effect size (ES) for mobility, TUG (18%, 0.59), and 6MWT (14%, 0.74) were significantly ( P < .001) improved. Outcome measures of muscular strength, leg press strength (32%, 0.58) and chest press strength (40%, 0.61), both significantly ( P < .001) improved. Postintervention assessment measure of upper-extremity flexibility (42%, 0.41) showed significant ( P < .001) improvements. Outcome measures for balance, FR (18%, 0.75) and single leg stance time (24%, 0.30), showed significant ( P < .001) improvements. Conclusions. Outcome measures showed moderate to large ES improvements after participants completed the 12-week multimodal exercise program for breast cancer survivors.

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Evaluating the Factors Associated With the Completion of a Community-Based Group Exercise Program Among Older Women

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2015-0281 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 649-658 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Anamica Batra ◽

Stefany Coxe ◽

Timothy F. Page ◽

Michael Melchior ◽

Richard C. Palmer

Keyword(s):

Black Women ◽

Older Women ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Exercise Program ◽

South Florida ◽

Dade County ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Community Based ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Program Recognition

Despite the well-known benefits of exercise, only 50% of U.S. women met recommended physical activity levels in 2014. To combat this issue, the Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative of South Florida has been offering the EnhanceFitness (EF) program in community-based settings since 2008. In the current study, we examined the factors associated with the program completion among older women (≥ 60 years). During the first 4 years, 3,829 older women attended EF sessions. Of these, 924 (24.2%) attended the recommended 32 sessions within first 4 months. Results revealed that women who lived in Miami-Dade County, were ≥ 80 years, and did not report depression and/or risk factors for chronic conditions were more likely to complete EF. Black women were less likely to complete the program. Recognition of these factors might help identify at-risk individuals. More efforts are needed to improve completion rates. Theory-based interventions would allow comprehensive understanding of all factors and, therefore, should be explored in the future.

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Espaço Movimento: Physical exercise program as prevention strategy in supplementary care

Revista Brasileira de Atividade Física & Saúde ◽

10.12820/rbafs.v.22n3p270-277 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 270-277

Author(s):

Valéria Cristina de Faria ◽

Isabella Carolina Silva Pereira ◽

Maysa Araujo Carvalho ◽

Emanuel de Almeida Lima ◽

Robson da Silva Miranda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Health Plan ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Prevention Strategy ◽

Logical Model

The aim of this study was to describe a program of health promotion and prevention of risks and diseases, developed by a health plan provider by means of results achieved and activities since its inception. To demonstrate the results, active and retired employees of UFV Campus Florestal and their dependents were selected, enrolled with this provider, to attend Espaço Movimento in two groups: gym (GG) and walking/running (WRG). All were submitted to anthropometric and mood profile evaluation, and a flexibility test at baseline and every six months; VO2max was assessed only for WRG. Submitted to 12 months of intervention, GG was composed of 45 participants (25 male), with mean age 46.1 ± 15.7 years. The WRG was subjected to six months of intervention, and composed of 12 participants (10 females), with mean age 42.8 ± 13.8 years. The logical model from 2013 to 2015 was used to present the activities. Results of both groups showed significant improvements in levels of physical fitness, anthropometric variables and mental health. Between the years 2013 and 2015, three annual events were offered to the community of Florestal, including a wider range of age, from children to seniors. Therefore, the proposal of the Espaço Movimento initiative seems to be innovative in the supplementary care and demonstrates effectiveness on the observed results.

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