title: Effects of a one-year physical activity intervention for older adults at congregate nutrition sites.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29208, USA.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Sharpe
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Vaca
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hickey
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gu
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Otterness
mesh_terms: 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