Community-Based Exergaming Program Increases Physical Activity and Perceived Wellness in Older Adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 364-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara A. Strand ◽  
Sarah L. Francis ◽  
Jennifer A. Margrett ◽  
Warren D. Franke ◽  
Marc J. Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Perceived Wellness

Community-Based Exergaming Program Increases Physical Activity and Perceived Wellness in Older Adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 364-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara A. Strand ◽  
Sarah L. Francis ◽  
Jennifer A. Margrett ◽  
Warren D. Franke ◽  
Marc J. Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Physical Activity Participation ◽  
Activity Participation ◽  
Wellness Program ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Perceived Wellness ◽  
Rural Older Adults

Exergaming may be an effective strategy to increase physical activity participation among rural older adults. This pilot project examined the effects of a 24-wk exergaming and wellness program (8 wk onsite exergaming, 16-wk wellness newsletter intervention) on physical activity participation and subjective health in 46 rural older adults. Sociodemographic data and self-reported physical activity were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Cochran’s Q, respectively. Qualitative data were reviewed, categorized on the basis of theme, and tabulated for frequency. Increased physical activity and perceived health were the most reported perceived positive changes. Significant increases in physical activity participation were maintained among participants who were physically inactive at baseline. Best-liked features were physical activity and socialization. Findings suggest that this pilot exergaming and wellness program is effective in increasing physical activity in sedentary rural older adults, increasing socialization, and increasing subjective physical health among rural older adults.

scholarly journals Promoting Stair Climbing as an Exercise Routine among Healthy Older Adults Attending a Community-Based Physical Activity Program

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nobuko Hongu ◽  
Mieko Shimada ◽  
Rieko Miyake ◽  
Yusuke Nakajima ◽  
Ichirou Nakajima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Stair Climbing ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Exercise Routine ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Leg Muscle

Stair climbing provides a feasible opportunity for increasing physical activity (PA) in daily living. The purpose of this study was to examine the daily walking and stair-climbing steps among healthy older adults (age: 74.0 ± 4.9 years; Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.3 ± 2.5 kg/m2). Participants (34 females and 15 males) attended a weekly 6-month community-based PA program. During the entire program period, daily walking and stair-climbing steps were recorded using a pedometer (Omron, HJA-403C, Kyoto, Japan). Before and after the 6-month program, height, body weight and leg muscle strength were assessed. After the 6-month program, the mean walking and stair-climbing steps in both women and men increased significantly (p ≤ 0.01). Daily stair-climbing steps increased about 36 steps in women and 47 steps in men. At the end of 6 months, only male participants had significant correlation between the number of stair steps and leg muscle strength (r = 0.428, p = 0.037). This study reported that healthy older adults attending the community-based PA program had regular stair-climbing steps during daily living. Promoting stair climbing as an exercise routine was feasible to increase their walking and stair-climbing steps.

Impact of a Community-Based Falls Prevention Program on Maintenance of Physical Activity Among Older Adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 480-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Laforest ◽  
Anne Pelletier ◽  
Lise Gauvin ◽  
Yvonne Robitaille ◽  
Michel Fournier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Community Based

Determining the Long-Term Effectiveness of a Group-Based Physical Activity Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-408
Author(s):  
Anamica Batra ◽  
Richard C. Palmer ◽  
Elena Bastida ◽  
H. Virginia McCoy ◽  
Hafiz M. R. Khan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Population Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Evidence Based Programs ◽  
The Impact

Objective. In 2015, only half (48%) of older adults in the United States (≥60 years) reported engaging in any kind of physical activity. Few studies examine the impact of evidence-based programs when adopted in community-based settings. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of EnhanceFitness (EF) upto 12-months. Method. EF was offered to older adults in South Florida. A total of 222 EF classes were offered between October 2008 and December 2014. Program consisted of a 1-hour session held three times a week. Even though participation was required for 4 months, 1,295 participants continued the program for at least 1 year. Results. All participants showed significant improvement in outcome measures. A mean change of 1.5, 1.7, and 1.9 was seen in number of chair stands at 4, 8, and 12 months (p < .001), respectively. The number of arm curls performed improved from 16.8 at baseline to 18.8, 18.8, and 19.2 at 4-, 8-, and 12-months, respectively. Participants improved their up-and-go time by decreasing from 9.1 (baseline) to 8.7 (4 months) to 8.6 (12 months; p = .001). Discussion. Randomized controlled trials are commonly used to determine the efficacy of an intervention. These interventions when disseminated at the population level have the potential to benefit large masses. EF is currently offered at more than 700 locations. This tremendous success of EF brings attention to an important question of continuous monitoring of these programs to ensure program consistency and intended outcomes. The model used by the Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative could be replicated by other communities.

“Not Everybody’s an Athlete, But They Certainly Can Move”: Facilitators of Physical Activity Maintenance in Older Adults in a Northern and Rural Setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 854-863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Ward ◽  
Anne Pousette ◽  
Chelsea A. Pelletier
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Individual Program ◽  
Physical Activity Maintenance

Although the benefits of maintaining a physical activity regime for older adults are well known, it is unclear how programs and facilities can best support long-term participation. The purpose of this study is to determine the facilitating factors of physical activity maintenance in older adults at individual, program, and community levels. Nine semistructured interviews were conducted with individuals aged 60 years and older and long-term participants (>6 months) in community-based group exercise at a clinical wellness facility in northern British Columbia, Canada. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via inductive thematic analysis. Themes identified as facilitators of physical activity included (a) social connections, (b) individual contextual factors, and (c) healthy aging. Older adults are more likely to maintain physical activity when environments foster healthy aging and provide opportunity for social engagement.

scholarly journals Effects of Endurance-Focused Physical Activity Interventions on Brain Health

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Halloway ◽  
JoEllen Wilbur ◽  
Michael E. Schoeny ◽  
Konstantinos Arfanakis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Neurocognitive Measures ◽  
The Brain

Physical activity intervention studies that focus on improving cognitive function in older adults have increasingly used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures in addition to neurocognitive measures to assess effects on the brain. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the effects of endurance-focused physical activity randomized controlled trial (RCT) interventions on the brain as measured by MRI in community-dwelling middle-aged or older adults without cognitive impairment. Five electronic databases were searched. The final sample included six studies. None of the studies reported racial or ethnic characteristics of the participants. All studies included neurocognitive measures in addition to MRI. Five of the six interventions included laboratory-based treadmill or supervised bike exercise sessions, while one included community-based physical activity. Physical activity measures were limited to assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness and, in one study, pedometer. Due to the lack of adequate data reported, effect sizes were calculated for only one study for MRI measures and two studies for neurocognitive measures. Effect sizes ranged from d = .2 to .3 for MRI measures and .2 to .32 for neurocognitive measures. Findings of the individual studies suggest that MRI measures may be more sensitive to the effects of physical activity than neurocognitive measures. Future studies are needed that include diverse, community-based participants, direct measures of physical activity, and complete reporting of MRI and neurocognitive findings.

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.

Participants' Evaluations of Components of a Physical-Activity-Promotion Program for Seniors (CHAMPS II)

2002 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 336-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn E. Gillis ◽  
Melanie D. Grossman ◽  
Barbara Y. McLellan ◽  
Abby C. King ◽  
Anita L. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Promotion Program ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Health Promotion Programs ◽  
Telephone Calls ◽  
Program Components ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion Program

As new multifaceted programs are developed to facilitate increased physical activity in older adults, it is increasingly important to understand how useful various program components are in achieving program goals. On concluding a community-based physical-activity-promotion program. 80 older adults (M = 74 years) completed a helpfulness survey of 12 different aspects of the program. and 20 also attended focus groups for evaluation purposes. Results indicated that personal attention from staff, an informational meeting, and telephone calls from staff were most helpful. Ratings were similar across gender, age, and income groups, as well as between those who had previously been sedentary and underactive. Compared with more educated participants, those with less education reported higher ratings for 8 of 12 program components. Results contribute to a small literature on older adults' perceptions of physical activity programs and might be useful in planning future physical activity and other health-promotion programs relying on similar components.

scholarly journals Geospatial Relationships between Awareness and Utilization of Community Exercise Resources and Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Dondzila ◽  
Ann M. Swartz ◽  
Kevin G. Keenan ◽  
Amy E. Harley ◽  
Razia Azen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Current Health ◽  
Health History ◽  
Current Health Status ◽  
Residential Distance ◽  
Gathering Data

Introduction. It is unclear if community-based fitness resources (CBFR) translate to heightened activity levels within neighboring areas. The purpose of this study was to determine whether awareness and utilization of fitness resources and physical activity differed depending on residential distance from CBFR.Methods. Four hundred and seventeen older adults (72.9±7.7years) were randomly recruited from three spatial tiers (≤1.6, >1.6 to ≤3.2, and >3.2 to 8.0 km) surrounding seven senior centers, which housed CBFR. Participants completed questionnaires on health history, CBFR, and physical activity, gathering data on CBFR awareness, utilization, and barriers, overall levels, and predictors to engagement in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).Results. Across spatial tiers, there were no differences in positive awareness rates of CBFR or CBFR utilization. Engagement in MVPA differed across spatial tiersP<0.001, with the >3.2 to 8.0 km radius having the highest mean energy expenditure. Across all sites, age and income levelP<0.05were significant predictors of low and high amounts of MVPA, respectively, and current health status and lack of interest represented barriers to CBFR utilizationP<0.05.Conclusion. Closer proximity to CBFR did not impact awareness or utilization rates and had an inverse relationship with physical activity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document