title: Implementation of an Evidence-Based Exercise Program for Older Adults in South Florida.
abstract: Introduction. This study aimed to examine how well an evidence-based physical activity program could be translated for wide scale dissemination and adoption to increase physical activity among community-dwelling older adults.Methods. Between October 2009 and December 2012, reach, fidelity, dosage, ease of implementation, and barriers to translation of EnhanceFitness (EF) were assessed. To assess effectiveness, a pretest-posttest design was used to measure increases in functional fitness (chair stands, arm curls, and the up-and-go test).Results. Fourteen community-based agencies offered 126 EF classes in 83 different locations and reached 4,490 older adults. Most participants were female (72%). Thirty-eight percent of participants did not complete the initial 16-week EF program. The 25% who received the recommended dose experienced an increase in upper and lower body strength and mobility. Further, participants reported high satisfaction with the program.Conclusion. EF was successfully implemented in a variety of settings throughout South Florida and reached a large number of older adults. However, challenges were encountered in ensuring that those who participated received a program dose that would lead to beneficial gains in functional fitness.
authors: Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors: Richard C
authors: 0000-0003-1187-0792
authors: RC
authors: Palmer
authors: Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors: Anamica
authors: 0000-0001-9911-3563
authors: A
authors: Batra
authors: Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors: Chelsie
authors: 0000-0003-3060-0202
authors: C
authors: Anderson
authors: Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors: Timothy
authors: T
authors: Page
authors: College of Nursing and Health Sciences, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors: Edgar
authors: E
authors: Vieira
authors: Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Seff