Resumen de Best-Practice Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults: Findings From the National Impact Study.
Susan L. Hughes, Rachel B. Seymour, Richard T. Campbell, Nancy Whitelaw, Terry Bazzarre
Objectives. We assessed the impact of existing best-practice physical activity programs for older adults on physical activity participation and health-related outcomes. Methods. We used a multisite, randomized trial with 544 older adults (mean age 66 years) and measures at baseline, 5, and 10 months to test the impact of a multiple-component physical activity program compared with results for a control group that did not participate in such a program. Results. For adults who participated in a multiple-component physical activity program, we found statistically significant benefits at 5 and 10 months with regard to self-efficacy for exercise adherence over time (P<.001), adherence in the face of barriers (P=.01), increased upper- and lower-body strength (P=.02, P=.01), and exercise participation (P=.01). Conclusions. Best-practice community-based physical activity programs can measurably improve aspects of functioning that are risk factors for disability among older adults. US public policy should encourage these inexpensive health promotion programs. (Am J Public Health. 2009;99:362-368. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2007.131466) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
