Adoption of Canada's Physical Activity Guide and Handbook for Older Adults: Impact on Functional Fitness and Energy Expenditure

2004 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuesong Jiang ◽  
Juliette Cooper ◽  
Michelle M. Porter ◽  
A. Elizabeth Ready
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Functional Fitness ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Over Time

This study investigated whether a behaviour change program, based on Canada's Physical Activity Guide and Handbook to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults (Health Canada, 1999a), would elicit greater benefits than adoption of the guide and handbook alone. Fifteen older adults received the guide and accompanying handbook and completed the 8-week behaviour change program (mean age 73.2 ± 5.2 yrs), while 14 others received only the guide and handbook (mean age 76.8 ± 10.0 yrs). Functional fitness (lower body strength/endurance, flexibility, agility/dynamic balance) (Rikli and Jones, 1999), and estimated energy expenditure (DiPietro et al., 1993) were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. Lower body strength/endurance and agility/dynamic balance differed between groups at baseline, p <  0.05. All three functional fitness tests improved in both groups over time, p <  0.05. Estimated energy expended in physical activity increased in both groups over time, p <  0.05; however, there was a significantly greater increase in the behaviour-change group (Group × Time interaction, p <  0.05). Participant response to using the guide and handbook was positive. These results indicate that introduction to Canada's Physical Activity Guide and Handbook to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults leads to benefits, whether or not accompanied by program supports. The group receiving the behaviour change program had a greater increase in energy expenditure, which suggests that such an intervention may ultimately lead to greater health benefits. Key words: behaviour change, chair stand test, community residing, lifestyle activity

scholarly journals A Longitudinal Study on the Relationship Between Aerobic Endurance and Lower Body Strength in Italian Sedentary Older Adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 444-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Magistro ◽  
Filippo Candela ◽  
Paolo Riccardo Brustio ◽  
Monica Emma Liubicich ◽  
Emanuela Rabaglietti
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Active Aging ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Physiological Systems

Functional aging processes are characterized by a loss of performance capabilities for most physiological systems, such as aerobic endurance and lower body strength, which are important for independent living and active aging. The present study examines the direction of influence between aerobic endurance and lower body strength over time in Italian sedentary older adults. A three-wave longitudinal model was tested using cross-lagged analysis for 202 individuals aged over 65 years (mean = 73.92, SD = 5.84; 140 females). Analysis revealed that aerobic endurance and lower body strength decline over time. In addition, greater aerobic endurance positively affected lower body strength over time; however, the converse was true only during the first period (first 6 months). These findings emphasize the importance of these relationships for the design and implementation of effective physical intervention for older adults.

Active Older Adults Keep Aerobic Capacity and Experience Small Reductions in Body Strength During Confinement Due to COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Lucimere Bohn ◽  
Duarte Barros ◽  
Flávia Borges-Machado ◽  
Susana Carrapatoso ◽  
Andreia N. Pizarro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength

The objective of this study was to observe the home-confinement effects on physical fitness, physical activity (PA), and body composition in active older adults, and to compare physical fitness and PA according to quality of life (QoL) during confinement. A total of 72 physically active older adults (61.1% females; 74.24 ± 5.57 years) were assessed pre- and postconfinement for aerobic capacity (6-min walk test), lower (30-s sit-to-stand), and upper (30-s arm-curl) body strength, PA (short-version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and QoL (EQ-5D-visual analogue scale). The pre- and postconfinement comparisons show declines in upper (−2.24 ± 0.45 repetitions; p < .001; η2 = .276) and lower body strength (−2.65 ± 0.42 repetitions; p < .001; η2 = .378) in both genders, but not in aerobic capacity. Ninety percentage of older adults perceived a decline in PA. Older adults reporting high QoL increased 19.27 ± 97.04 m in the 6-min walk test, while the participants with low QoL reduced 28.32 ± 63.27 m (p = .018; η2 = .090). Previously active older adults did not have their aerobic capacity decrease significantly despite a decline in upper and lower body strength during an 11-week home confinement period.

The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Upper and Lower Body Strength in Older Adults

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 35-50
Author(s):  
Chantelle C. Lachance ◽  
Kenji Kenno ◽  
Patricia L. Weir ◽  
Kelly M. Carr ◽  
Nancy McNevin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Whole Body Vibration ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Vibration ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Vibration Training ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Whole Body Vibration Training

Age and Task Differences in Functional Fitness in Older Women: Comparisons With Senior Fitness Test Normative and Criterion-Referenced Data

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane E. Adamo ◽  
Susan Ann Talley ◽  
Allon Goldberg
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Fitness Test ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Physical Abilities ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Criterion Referenced ◽  
Independent Functioning

Age-related changes in physical abilities, such as strength and flexibility, contribute to functional losses. However, older individuals may be unaware of what specific physical abilities compromise independent functioning. Three groups of women, aged 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80 to 92 years, were administered the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) to determine age differences in physical abilities and risk for functional losses. The oldest group showed significant differences in lower body strength, aerobic endurance, and agility and dynamic balance when compared with the other groups who performed similarly. Across all groups, a faster rate of decline was found for lower body strength (50.6%) and dynamic balance and agility (45.7%) than upper body strength (21.3%) and aerobic endurance (33.6%). Criterion-referenced (CR) fitness standards suggested that 45% of the individuals were at risk for loss of independent functioning. This study highlights age-related differences in physical abilities and the risk for the loss of independence in later life.

Does Yoga Engender Fitness in Older Adults? A Critical Review

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlyn P. Roland ◽  
Jennifer M. Jakobi ◽  
Gareth R. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Exercise Activity ◽  
Comprehensive Search ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
And Function

Interest in yoga is growing, especially among older adults. This review critically summarizes the current literature to investigate whether physical fitness and function benefits are engendered through the practice of yoga in older adults. A comprehensive search yielded 507 studies; 10 studies with 544 participants (69.6 ± 6.3 yr, 71% female) were included. Large variability in yoga styles and measurement outcomes make it challenging to interpret results across studies. Studies reported moderate improvements for gait (ES = 0.54, 0.80), balance (ES = 0.25–1.61), upper/lower body flexibility (ES = 0.25, 0.70), lower body strength (ES = 0.51), and weight loss (ES = 0.73, 0.99). Yoga may engender improvements in some components of fitness in older adults. However, more evidence is needed to determine its effectiveness as an alternative exercise to promote fitness in older adults. Further investigation into yoga as an exercise activity for older adults is warranted.

scholarly journals Implementation of an Evidence-Based Exercise Program for Older Adults in South Florida

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard C. Palmer ◽  
Anamica Batra ◽  
Chelsie Anderson ◽  
Timothy Page ◽  
Edgar Vieira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Functional Fitness ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Wide Scale

Introduction. This study aimed to examine how well an evidence-based physical activity program could be translated for wide scale dissemination and adoption to increase physical activity among community-dwelling older adults.Methods. Between October 2009 and December 2012, reach, fidelity, dosage, ease of implementation, and barriers to translation of EnhanceFitness (EF) were assessed. To assess effectiveness, a pretest-posttest design was used to measure increases in functional fitness (chair stands, arm curls, and the up-and-go test).Results. Fourteen community-based agencies offered 126 EF classes in 83 different locations and reached 4,490 older adults. Most participants were female (72%). Thirty-eight percent of participants did not complete the initial 16-week EF program. The 25% who received the recommended dose experienced an increase in upper and lower body strength and mobility. Further, participants reported high satisfaction with the program.Conclusion. EF was successfully implemented in a variety of settings throughout South Florida and reached a large number of older adults. However, challenges were encountered in ensuring that those who participated received a program dose that would lead to beneficial gains in functional fitness.

scholarly journals Performance of (Instrumental) Activities of Daily Living and Physical Capacity in Spanish Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 435
Author(s):  
Laura Delgado-Lobete ◽  
Rebeca Montes-Montes ◽  
Carlos Freire ◽  
María del Mar Ferradás
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Manual Dexterity ◽  
Daily Functioning ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength

Performance in basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL; IADL) is an essential indicator of daily functioning and health of people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The aims of this pilot study were to describe the profile of ADL and IADL performance in Spanish adults with ID, and to examine its association with functional physical skills. The Waisman Activities of Daily Living Scale for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities (W-ADL) scale was administered to the caregivers of twenty adults with ID (mean age = 41.0, SD = 10.1; women = 75.0%). In addition, dynamic balance and maximum walking speed (MWS), lower-body strength, aerobic capacity and manual dexterity of participants were individualized assessed. The results showed that 40% of adults with ID were completely independent in ADL, but all participants reported activity limitations in at least one IADL. Dynamic balance and MWS, lower-body strength and manual dexterity showed significant and moderate-to-strong correlations with daily functioning (r = 0.495–0.814; p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis indicated that lower-body strength and manual dexterity significantly predicted activity performance in adults with ID (adjusted R2 = 0.816, p = 0.004–0.016). This study highlights the need to support the performance of both ADL and IADL and to promote physical fitness in Spanish community-based care centers for adults with ID.

Relationships between balance and physical fitness variables in firefighter recruits

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 667-677
Author(s):  
Rudi A. Marciniak ◽  
Kyle T. Ebersole ◽  
David J. Cornell
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Balance Ability ◽  
Lower Body Strength

BACKGROUND: Research has suggested that balance ability contributes to musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) rates in firefighters. Though the Y-Balance Test (YBT) can predict injury, it is unclear what physical measures inform YBT performance in firefighters. Thus, there is a lack of knowledge regarding best practice for improving balance in firefighters. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the YBT and fitness measures, including body composition, aerobic capacity, functional total-body power, upper and lower-body strength, and movement efficiency, among firefighters. METHODS: Dynamic balance (YBT), body mass index (BMI), body-fat percentage (BF%), fat free mass (FFM), aerobic capacity (VO2max), stair climb (SC), upper (1RMbench) and lower-body (1RMsquat) strength, and Fusionetics™ Movement Efficiency Screen (ME) measures were collected among 35 firefighter recruits. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine relationships between YBT and the performance measures. RESULTS: Dynamic balance ability in firefighter recruits is significantly (p < 0.05) related to BMI, lower-body strength, and movement quality, but not with aerobic capacity, stair climb performance, and upper body strength. CONCLUSIONS: Greater YBT performance in firefighter recruits is associated with lower BMI, greater functional movement, and greater lower-body strength. Future research is warranted to incorporate these elements into balance training programs for firefighter recruits.

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