Effects of a one-year physical activity intervention for older adults at congregate nutrition sites.
The effects of a physical activity intervention on strength, balance, motor coordination, and mobility were tested in a quasi-experiment at rural congregate nutrition sites. Twice-weekly sessions of low intensity movements were conducted for one year. Logistic regression results showed significant differences between intervention (n = 61) and comparison (n = 49) groups on several performance-based measures. Intervention subjects perceived significantly greater improvements in physical functioning over the previous year than did comparison subjects. A qualitative evaluation revealed perceived program benefits of pain reduction, increased flexibility, muscle strengthening, increased walking speed, and improved mental outlook.
Sharpe
P A
PA
School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29208, USA.
Jackson
K L
KL
White
C
C
Vaca
V L
VL
Hickey
T
T
Gu
J
J
Otterness
C
C
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012423:Rural Health