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Evaluation of a Laughter-based Exercise Program on Health and Self-efficacy for Exercise
Celeste M Greene1, Jennifer Craft Morgan1, LaVona S Traywick2
1The Gerontology Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta.
The Gerontologist
|August 6, 2016
Summary
Older adults improved mental health, aerobic endurance, and exercise self-efficacy through a 12-week physical activity (PA) program combining laughter and exercise. This enjoyable approach may boost PA adherence in seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Science
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) is crucial for older adults, yet many fail to meet recommended levels.
- Lack of enjoyment in PA can be a significant barrier to participation among seniors.
- Combining simulated laughter with PA offers a novel approach to enhance engagement and health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the LaughActive program on PA participation, health, and self-efficacy in older adults.
- To assess the effectiveness of integrating simulated laughter with strength, balance, and flexibility exercises.
- To explore the potential of an enjoyable PA intervention in assisted living facilities.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week wait list control pilot study was conducted with 27 older adults in assisted living facilities.
- Participants engaged in twice-weekly LaughActive classes.
- Pre- and 6-week post-intervention comparisons were analyzed using paired sample t-tests.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in mental health (SF-36v2) (p < .05-.10).
- Aerobic endurance, measured by the 2-minute step test, showed significant gains.
- Self-efficacy for exercise (OEE) significantly increased post-intervention (p < .05-.10).
Conclusions:
- Physical activity programs incorporating simulated laughter can enhance older adults' health, physical function, and self-efficacy.
- The positive emotions elicited by laughter may improve adherence to PA programs.
- The LaughActive intervention shows promise for promoting enjoyable and effective PA in older populations.
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