Physical and Psychosocial Characteristics of Older Adults Who Participate in a Community-Based Exercise Program

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 516-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Orsega-Smith ◽  
Laura L. Payne ◽  
Geoffry Godbey
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Program Participation ◽  
Psychosocial Characteristics ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Parks And Recreation ◽  
Community Based Programs ◽  
High Participation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a community-based exercise program for adults 60 years and older. Specifically, the authors sought to examine selected physical and psychosocial indicators of health among low-, moderate-, and high-frequency participants. Data on selected physical-fitness variables from baseline and 6-month follow-up assessments were available for 196 members. In addition, 265 current members completed a mailed questionnaire regarding frequency of program participation, health, demographics, and psychosocial outcomes. Significant improvements in endurance and flexibility were documented for the group at large over 6 months, and the low-participation group showed a significant increase in flexibility. Self-efficacy was higher for those in both the low- and high-frequency groups than for those in the moderate-participation group. Exercise-based social support was reported to be higher among the low- and high-participation groups than among the moderate-participation group. Results suggest that community-based programs and community parks and recreation agencies are a viable context for senior exercise/physical activity programs.

scholarly journals Community-Based Adaptive Physical Activity Program for Chronic Stroke: Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy of the Empoli Model

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 726-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Stuart ◽  
Francesco Benvenuti ◽  
Richard Macko ◽  
Antonio Taviani ◽  
Lucianna Segenni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Gait Velocity ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Oral Glucose ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Hemiparetic Stroke

Objective. To determine whether Adaptive Physical Activity (APA-stroke), a community-based exercise program for participants with hemiparetic stroke, improves function in the community. Methods. Nonrandomized controlled study in Tuscany, Italy, of participants with mild to moderate hemiparesis at least 9 months after stroke. Forty-nine participants in a geographic health authority (Empoli) were offered APA-stroke (40 completed the study). Forty-four control participants in neighboring health authorities (Florence and Pisa) received usual care (38 completed the study). The APA intervention was a community-based progressive group exercise regimen that included walking, strength, and balance training for 1 hour, thrice a week, in local gyms, supervised by gym instructors. No serious adverse clinical events occurred during the exercise intervention. Outcome measures included the following: 6-month change in gait velocity (6-Minute Timed Walk), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Berg Balance Scale, Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), Barthel Index, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and Index of Caregivers Strain. Results. After 6 months, the intervention group improved whereas controls declined in gait velocity, balance, SPPB, and SIS social participation domains. These between-group comparisons were statistically significant at P < .00015. Individuals with depressive symptoms at baseline improved whereas controls were unchanged ( P < .003). Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed on a subset of participants in the intervention group. For these individuals, insulin secretion declined 29% after 6 months ( P = .01). Conclusion. APA-stroke appears to be safe, feasible, and efficacious in a community setting.

scholarly journals Long-term follow-up and objective physical activity measurements of community-based physical interventions in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The Lancet ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 394 ◽  
pp. S96
Author(s):  
Charlotte Wahlich ◽  
Umar A R Chaudhry ◽  
Rebecca Fortescue ◽  
Derek G Cook ◽  
Shashi Hirani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Activity Measurements ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Aerobic Exercise in the Psychological Treatment of Adolescents

1992 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 555-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella W. Brown ◽  
M. Cay Welsh ◽  
Elise E. Labbé ◽  
William F. Vitulli ◽  
Pandu Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Mood States ◽  
Activity Class ◽  
Institutionalized Adolescents ◽  
Complete Program

A small group of psychiatrically institutionalized adolescents (16 boys, 11 girls) were assigned to a three-day-per-week running/aerobic exercise program or a regular physical activity class. The complete program continued over 9 weeks, with 11 subjects remaining throughout the program. Dependent measures of body-mass index, timed performance on a one-mile run, resting, exercise, and recovery heart rates, and measures of depression, mood-states, and self-efficacy were assessed pre-, mid-, and post-9-wk. treatment and at a 4-wk. follow-up. Improvements in depression, anxiety, hostility, confused thinking, and fatigue were shown in treated girls, with increases in vigor and self-efficacy for all treated subjects.

Improvements in fitness at 12-months follow up of an individualised home and community based exercise program after stroke

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. e22-e23
Author(s):  
R. Callister ◽  
A. Dunn ◽  
D. Marsden ◽  
P. van Vliet ◽  
C. Levi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Program ◽  
Community Based

What Sustains Long-Term Adherence to Structured Physical Activity After a Cardiac Event?

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia M. Martin ◽  
Catherine B. Woods
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Established Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Rich Information ◽  
Constant Comparative Analysis

Purpose:Research addressing methods to sustain long-term adherence to physical activity among older adults is needed. This study investigated the motivations and supports deemed necessary to adhere to a community-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) program by individuals with established coronary heart disease.Methods:Twenty-four long-term adherers (15 men, 9 women; age 67.7 ± 16.7 yr) took part in focus-group discussions.Results:Constant comparative analysis supported previous research in terms of the importance of referral procedures, social support, and knowledge of health benefits in influencing uptake and adherence to CBCR. Results also highlighted the routine of a structured class and task-, barrier-, and recovery-specific self-efficacy as necessary to sustain long-term adherence for this specific clinical group.Discussion:Older adults themselves provide rich information on how to successfully support their long-term adherence to structured exercise sessions. Further research into how to build these components into any exercise program is necessary.

scholarly journals A Community-Based Nutrition and Physical Activity Intervention for Children Who Are Overweight or Obese and Their Caregivers

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Furong Xu ◽  
Stephanie Marchand ◽  
Celeste Corcoran ◽  
Heather DiBiasio ◽  
Rachel Clough ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Relative Weight ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Collaborative Community ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Community Based Programs ◽  
Nutrition And Physical Activity

There is a need for efficacious interventions to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity, and a limited body of research suggests that collaborative community-based programs designed for children and their caregivers may be effective in reducing obesity rates. This paper reports the results of a community-based obesity intervention, South County Food, Fitness and Fun (SCFFF), designed for preadolescent children who are overweight or obese and their caregivers. SCFFF was developed in response to community concerns. Families were referred to the program by their physician and participated in the program at no cost. The 16-week intervention includes weekly group nutrition and physical activity sessions. Analyses determined that 65 out of the 97 children who completed SCFFF provided 2-year follow-up data and had reduced BMIz-scores over 2 years following the intervention. These participants decreased their energy, fat, carbohydrate, saturated fat, and sodium intake and increased core body strength and endurance from baseline to the end of the intervention. SCFFF was effective in reducing relative weight and improving diet and core muscle strength and endurance in children who are overweight or obese.

Individual, Psychosocial, and Environmental Correlates of 4-Year Declines in Walking Among Middle-to-Older Aged Adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1078-1084 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroko Shimura ◽  
Elisabeth Winkler ◽  
Neville Owen
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Neighborhood Walkability ◽  
Policy Initiatives ◽  
Environmental Correlates ◽  
Family Social Support ◽  
Community Based Programs ◽  
Medium Level

Background:We examined associations of individual, psychosocial and environmental characteristics with 4-year changes in walking among middle-to-older aged adults; few such studies have employed prospective designs.Methods:Walking for transport and walking for recreation were assessed during 2003–2004 (baseline) and 2007–2008 (follow-up) among 445 adults aged 50–65 years residing in Adelaide, Australia. Logistic regression analyses examined predictors of being in the highest quintile of decline in walking (21.4 minutes/day or more reduction in walking for transport; 18.6 minutes/day or more reduction in walking for recreation).Results:Declines in walking for transport were related to higher level of walking at baseline, low perceived benefits of activity, low family social support, a medium level of social interaction, low sense of community, and higher neighborhood walkability. Declines in walking for recreation were related to higher level of walking at baseline, low self-efficacy for activity, low family social support, and a medium level of available walking facilities.Conclusions:Declines in middle-to-older aged adults’ walking for transport and walking for recreation have differing personal, psychosocial and built-environment correlates, for which particular preventive strategies may be developed. Targeted campaigns, community-based programs, and environmental and policy initiatives can be informed by these findings.

scholarly journals Engaging people with long-term health conditions in a community-based physical activity initiative: a qualitative follow-up study evaluating the parkrun PROVE project

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Quirk ◽  
Steve Haake
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Management Communication ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Public ◽  
Key Stakeholders

Abstract Background The “parkrun: running or volunteering for everyone” (PROVE) project was an example of a community-based physical activity and volunteering initiative for people living with long-term health conditions in England. The 3 year project involved appointing volunteer Outreach Ambassadors whose role was to promote parkrun to people living with long-term health conditions through various outreach activities. This qualitative study aimed to understand the experience of delivering the project from the perspective of volunteer Outreach Ambassadors and the PROVE Project Manager. Methods The PROVE Project Manager and ten PROVE Outreach Ambassadors across nine health condition groups were interviewed by the researcher (asthma, blood pressure, deaf and hard of hearing, dementia, diabetes, endometriosis, heart conditions, learning disabilities and/or autism, and obesity). Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Four themes and nine sub-themes were generated. The participants highlighted challenges in measuring the project’s success and bringing about meaningful and lasting change, and reflected on the value of the project as a learning opportunity. Despite some successes, it was thought that the project had limited reach outside of the existing parkrun community. The Outreach Ambassadors reflected on their experiences in the role and the skills required, finding it rewarding and highlighting the importance of networking and forming connections with key stakeholders. The findings are discussed in comparison to interviews conducted with the Outreach Ambassadors 12 months earlier. Conclusions This study provides evidence to support the public health potential of parkrun though targeted initiatives such as the PROVE project and provides a critical reflection on what worked and what did not work when delivering the project. The findings have relevance for organisations wishing to implement similar outreach initiatives using a volunteer workforce, including recommendations for resource management, communication, leadership, fostering volunteer autonomy and defining and capturing success.

scholarly journals Assessing the Utility of an Outpatient Exercise Program for Children With Cystic Fibrosis: A Quality Improvement Project

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dionne Adair ◽  
Ahmad Hider ◽  
Amy G. Filbrun ◽  
Chris Tapley ◽  
Sandra Bouma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Muscle Size ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Home Setting ◽  
Physical Strength

Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) (cwCF) suffer from inadequate weight gain, failure to thrive, and muscle weakness. The latter may be secondary to disuse atrophy (muscle wasting or reduction in muscle size associated with reduced physical activity and inflammation). Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable surrogate for muscle strength and lean body mass. Data from our CF center have shown an association between low HGS and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in cwCF. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves physical strength. Therefore, we devised a project to assess implementing a HIIT exercise program in the home setting, in order to improve physical strength in cwCF with HGS ≤ 50th percentile. Patients were instructed to complete 3–5 sessions of HIIT exercises per week. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests were used to compare HGS, FEV1, and body mass index (BMI) percentile at baseline and at a follow-up clinic visit. Follow-up was limited due to the COVID pandemic. Adherence to the HIIT regimen was poor. A total of twenty-nine cwCF participated in the program. However, a total of 13 individuals reported some form of moderate activity at follow-up and therefore constituted our final study population. There was a statistically significant increase in absolute grip strength (AGS) and FEV1 for these individuals. Even though the home HIIT protocol was not followed, the project demonstrated that moderate physical activity in cwCF can lead to significant improvement in HGS and overall physical strength.

Evaluation Tools for Physical Activity Programs for Childhood Cancer: A Scoping Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-179
Author(s):  
Jena Shank ◽  
Carolina Chamorro-Viña ◽  
Gregory M. T. Guilcher ◽  
David Michael Langelier ◽  
Fiona Schulte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Evaluation Tools ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Programs

Research on the benefits of physical activity (PA) in childhood cancer has been translated into a handful of community-based programs. However, to foster further translation, an understanding of how to evaluate participant outcomes would be beneficial to provide feedback to participants and stimulate future research. Such a review would provide a summary of acceptable tools for work in this area. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify the evaluation tools that have been used in PA/exercise studies or programs for childhood cancer. This review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies included in the review used physical and psychosocial evaluation tools within PA and exercise programs or research for childhood cancer. In addition, studies with measures of health behavior such as PA levels and activities of daily living were included. Tools that assessed physical fitness and physical performance were excluded. Information on the types of evaluation tools used, mean age of participants, and type of cancer was extracted. Psychometric properties of each evaluation tool are reported. The most commonly assessed patient outcomes were motor performance, fatigue, well-being, functional mobility, and quality of life. Less commonly reported patient outcomes were hope, self-efficacy, and self-perception. None of the evaluation tools reported in the PA/exercise and pediatric oncology literature assess physical literacy. This review was the first step in a knowledge translation process, identifying evaluation tools that have been used in PA/exercise programs in childhood cancer survivors, that will guide the development and evaluation of current and future community-based programs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document