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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2009 Feb;99(2):362-8.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2007.131466. Epub 2008 Dec 4.

Best-practice physical activity programs for older adults: findings from the national impact study

Susan L Hughes  1 , Rachel B Seymour, Richard T Campbell, Nancy Whitelaw, Terry Bazzarre
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Best-practice physical activity programs for older adults: findings from the national impact study

Susan L Hughes et al. Am J Public Health. 2009 Feb.

Abstract

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.

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