title: Physical function in sedentary and exercising older veterans as compared to national norms.
abstract: We examined the associations between sedentary older veterans, those regularly involved in an outpatient exercise program and physical function. Sedentary and currently exercising older veterans performed a 30 s chair-stand test and 6 min walk test as part of an exercise program. Test results were then compared to national norms. The exercisers' test scores were not significantly different from the national averages. However, their mean 6 min walk score approached being significantly better than the national average (p = 0.095). The sedentary group's scores were significantly lower (p < or = 0.05) than the exercisers' scores and the national averages for both tests. In this cohort, older veterans who maintain a regular program of physical activity function at a level considered average or slightly above average compared to their age-matched peers, while sedentary veterans are significantly below average. Healthcare providers need to stress the importance of regular exercise to their older veteran patients.
authors.affiliation: Durham VA Medical Center, GRECC (182), 508 Fulton St., Durham, NC 27705, USA. peter076@mc.duke.edu
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: Gail M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Crowley
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Miriam C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Morey
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D014728:Veterans