Five-year performance trends for older exercisers: a hierarchical model of endurance, strength, and flexibility.
OBJECTIVE
To examine 5-year trends in measures of physical performance, and the impact of disease upon performance, in three domains: cardiovascular fitness, musculo-skeletal strength, and flexibility among older adults participating in a medically supervised exercise program.


METHODS
Longitudinal analyses of data obtained in an observational cohort study.


METHODS
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.


METHODS
Seventy-three community-dwelling veterans between 64 and 90 years of age.


METHODS
Voluntary participation in a medically supervised outpatient exercise program meeting 3 days per week for 90 minutes per session.


METHODS
Changes over time in cardiovascular fitness, musculoskeletal strength, and flexibility.


RESULTS
Forty-nine percent of the original study participants remained in the program for a full 5 years. They had lower baseline rates of cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal diseases than did the dropouts. Dropouts were significantly more impaired in baseline measures of cardiovascular fitness (P = .038) and strength (P = .007). Changes over time for cardiovascular fitness and strength were similar. Only linear (P < .05) and quadratic time (P < .001) were significant. Only linear time was significant for measures of flexibility (P < .05). Baseline cardiorespiratory disease, baseline musculoskeletal disease, and interaction terms were not significant. Overall, measures of physical performance demonstrated gradual improvement for 2 to 3 years, followed by a gradual decline in performance irrespective of baseline disease status.


CONCLUSIONS
Older adults who exercise regularly, including those with multiple chronic diseases, can achieve significant gains in measures of physical performance, and these gains can be sustained for 2 to 3 years.
Morey
M C
MC
Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center VA Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA.
Pieper
C F
CF
Sullivan
R J
RJ
Crowley
G M
GM
Cowper
P A
PA
Robbins
M S
MS
D000368:Aged / Q000502:physiology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000502:physiology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D010809:Physical Fitness; D013997:Time Factors; D014728:Veterans