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Physical activity in daily life in physically independent elderly participating in community-based exercise program
Nidia A Hernandes1, Vanessa S Probst, Rubens A Da Silva
1Research Centre in Health Sciences (CPCS), Centre of Biological and Health Sciences (CCBS), Universidade Norte do Paraná (UNOPAR), Londrina, PR, Brazil. nyhernandes@gmail.com
Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy
|November 3, 2012
Summary
Elderly individuals in community exercise programs are more physically active daily. Participation in these programs, along with better exercise capacity, is linked to higher daily physical activity levels.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Science
- Public Health
Background:
- The impact of community-based exercise programs on the daily physical activity of independent elderly individuals remains unclear.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for promoting active lifestyles in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the daily physical activity levels of elderly individuals participating in community exercise programs versus non-participants.
- To identify factors associated with higher daily physical activity in this population.
Main Methods:
- 134 elderly participants in community exercise programs (PG) and 104 non-participants (NPG) were studied.
- Objective measurement of physical activity in daily life (PADL) using pedometers over 7 days.
- Assessment of exercise capacity through the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT), alongside measures of strength, flexibility, and balance.
Main Results:
- The PG group exhibited significantly higher daily step counts (8314 vs. 6250 steps/day) compared to the NPG group (p<0.0001).
- A greater proportion of the PG were physically active (>8000 steps/day) (37% vs. 16%), while a smaller proportion were sedentary (<5000 steps/day) (14% vs. 33%).
- Participation in exercise programs, 6MWT, and ISWT were significant predictors of higher daily step counts (model r(2)=0.56, p<0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Physically independent elderly individuals engaged in community exercise programs demonstrate higher levels of daily physical activity.
- These higher activity levels are observed consistently, even on non-program days, suggesting a sustained behavioral change.
- Community exercise programs should be more accessible and promoted to enhance physical activity and exercise capacity in the elderly.
