Effect of a Walking Program on Functional Fitness Measures in Older Adults

Exercise and cognitive training can improve the brain-related health of the elderly. We investigated the effects of a cognitive walking program (CWP) involving simultaneous performance of indoor walking and cognitive training on cognitive function and physical fitness compared to normal walking (NW) outdoors. Participants were grouped according to whether they performed regular exercise for at least 3 months prior to the participation in this study. Active participants were assigned to the CWP-active group (CWPAG). Sedentary participants were randomly assigned to the CWP (CWPSG) or NW group (NWSG). CWP and NW were performed for 60 min, 3 times a week, for 6 months. Cognitive function (attention, visuospatial function, memory, and frontal/executive function) and physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, lower extremity muscular strength, and active balance ability) were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after the program onset. Cognitive function showed improvements over time in all three groups, especially in CWPAG. No clear difference was observed between CWPSG and NWSG. Improvements in all fitness measures were also observed in all three groups. These findings collectively indicate the beneficial effects of CWP, as well as NW, on improving cognitive function and physical fitness in older adults, especially those who are physically active.

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Relationship of Sit-to-Stand Lower-Body Power With Functional Fitness Measures Among Older Adults With and Without Sarcopenia

Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy ◽

10.1519/jpt.0000000000000072 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 42-50 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Jordan M. Glenn ◽

Michelle Gray ◽

Ashley Binns

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Functional Fitness ◽

Lower Body ◽

Sit To Stand ◽

Fitness Measures ◽

Relationship Of ◽

Lower Body Power

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Development of Criterion-Referenced Functional Fitness Standards for the Independent Life in Korean Older Adults : The Korea Institute of Sport Science Fitness Standards Study (KISS FitS)

Korean Journal of Sport Studies ◽

10.23949/kjpe.2018.09.57.5.27 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 57 (5) ◽

pp. 385-396 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Saejong Park ◽

Byoung-Goo Ko ◽

Joo-Ho Song ◽

Hong-Sun Song ◽

Soo-Hyun Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Functional Fitness ◽

Sport Science ◽

Independent Life ◽

Criterion Referenced

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The Relationship Between Fear of Falling and Functional Fitness among Older Adults Living in Rest Home

10.35262/jiag.v16i1.5-10 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

H Tuna ◽

Ö Bozan ◽

B Gürpınar ◽

N İlçin

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Older Adults ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Fear Of Falling ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Upper Body ◽

Functional Fitness ◽

Fall Risk Factors ◽

Rest Home ◽

History Of

Objective: This study aimed to report the fear of falling and assess its associations with several fall-related characteristics and functional fitness parameters among older adults living in the rest home. Methods: Seventy-eight older adults aged between 65-94 years were included in the study. History of falling and the number of risk factors for falling were recorded. Fear of falling was evaluated with The Falls Efficacy ScaleInternational. Functional fitness was assessed with Senior Fitness Test, including tests for the functional measurement of strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance and dynamic balance. Result: The mean age of participants was 78.46±7.16 years. There were correlations exist between fear of falling and number of fall risk factors, dynamic balance, upper body flexibility and aerobic endurance (p<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the parameters with the highest determinants of fear of falling were the dynamic balance and history of falling (p<0.05). Conclusions: In our study, history of falling, number of fall risk factors, flexibility for the upper body, aerobic endurance and dynamic balance were parameters related to fear of falling among older adults, but the most influential factors in fear of falling were dynamic balance and history of falling.

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The Application of Peer Mentoring to Improve Fitness in Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.17.3.344 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 344-361 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Sandor Dorgo ◽

George A. King ◽

Gregory D. Brickey

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Peer Mentoring ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Peer Mentors ◽

Participation Rates ◽

Peer Mentor ◽

Fitness Program ◽

Student Mentors ◽

Fitness Measures ◽

Mentor Model

Purpose:To investigate the effectiveness of a peer-mentored exercise program, this study compared the program perception, retention and participation rates, and physical improvements of older adults trained by peer mentors (PMs) with those of a group trained by student mentors (SMs).Methods:After a 30-week peer-mentor preparation, 60 older adults (M±SDage: 68.7 ± 6.1 yr) were recruited and randomly assigned to either the PM or the SM group. Both groups completed an identical 14-week fitness program. Pre- and posttraining assessments of fitness were completed, and the efficacy of the PMs and SMs was surveyed.Results:High retention was observed in both groups, but the SM group had higher participation. Both groups improved their fitness significantly, with no significant posttest differences between the groups in most fitness measures or in program perception rates.Discussion:Findings suggest effectiveness of the peer-mentor model in an older adult exercise program.

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