Exercise Intervention Outcomes with Cannabis Users and Nonusers Aged 60 and Older

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cannabis use is rising among older adults.
• Understanding its impact on health interventions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if cannabis use affects outcomes of a physical activity intervention in adults aged 60+.
• To compare exercise behavior, BMI, and fitness in cannabis users versus non-users.

Main Methods:

• Quasi-experimental design comparing cannabis users (N=28) and non-users (N=136).
• Assessed body mass index (BMI), exercise recall (Stanford 7-Day Physical Activity Recall), and community-based physical activity levels (CHAMPS).
• Measured cardiovascular fitness pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Cannabis users had significantly lower BMI (p=.007).
• Cannabis users reported more exercise days at 8 weeks (p=.068) and higher physical activity scores at 16 weeks (p=.045).
• No differences in baseline or post-intervention fitness; overall sample showed improved cardiovascular fitness.

Conclusions:

• Current cannabis use in older adults appears not to hinder physical activity intervention effectiveness.
• Findings suggest cannabis use is not associated with negative impacts on fitness in this demographic.
• Further research with detailed cannabis use patterns is needed to clarify health effects.