Evaluation of a Peer-Led, Low-Intensity Physical Activity Program for Older Adults
| Autor: | James Teufel, Stephen L. Brown, Danilea Werner |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2014 |
| Předmět: |
Gerontology
medicine.medical_specialty Health (social science) Design evaluation business.industry Physical fitness Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health Physical activity Flexibility (personality) Physical strength medicine.disease Obesity Health promotion Physical therapy Aerobic exercise Medicine business |
| Zdroj: | American Journal of Health Education. 45:133-141 |
| ISSN: | 2168-3751 1932-5037 |
| Popis: | BackgroundPhysical inactivity is a primary contributor to decreasing functional physical fitness and increasing chronic disease in older adults.PurposeThis study assessed the health-related benefits of ExerStart for Lay Leaders, a 20-week, community based, peer-led, low-impact exercise program for older adults. ExerStart focuses on aerobic endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and balance.MethodsUsing a pre/posttest evaluation design, researchers examined the effects of the program on 432 older adults in St. Louis, Missouri, and Houston, Texas. Participants completed self-report surveys as well as observed functional physical fitness assessments.ResultsParticipants in ExerStart for Lay Leaders significantly improved their perceived satisfaction with body function, functional physical fitness, perceived overall health, and body mass index.DiscussionThis study adds to the evidence that older adults benefit from structured, peer-led exercise programs. The increased physical fitness, if maintained, may l... |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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