A Pre-Post Study Design Exploring the Potential Benefits of a Hiking Intervention for Active and Inactive Older...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) is crucial for healthy aging, but older adults often have low PA levels.
• Group-based nature programs offer a promising avenue for increasing PA and enhancing quality of life in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a biweekly 8-week group-based hiking program on physical activity levels, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life in older adults.
• To compare outcomes between previously active and inactive older adult participants.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-seven older adults (55-75 years) participated in an 8-week, biweekly hiking program.
• Participants completed baseline assessments including health-related quality of life questionnaires, behavioral/psychological outcome measures, and a one-mile walk test.
• Cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise-related psychological outcomes were assessed.

Main Results:

• Previously inactive participants showed significant improvements in physical quality of life (p = .03, d = 0.71).
• Cardiorespiratory fitness (p = .003, d = 0.77) and exercise competency (p = .005, d = 0.41) significantly improved for all participants.
• Previously inactive individuals demonstrated increased self-efficacy for exercise (p = .001, d = 1.43).

Conclusions:

• A biweekly, group-based hiking intervention over 8 weeks significantly enhanced physical quality of life in previously inactive older adults.
• Hiking, potentially at an individualized pace, is a suitable physical activity intervention for older adults, including those previously inactive.