Long-term effects of the 50+ in motion intervention on physical function and healthcare utilization in older adults...

To examine longitudinal changes in physical function and health services utilization (HSU) in older adults with and without osteoarthritis (OA) during and after an exercise intervention.

Longitudinal analyses of secondary data from the 50+ in motion intervention (Reeder et al., 2008; Fisher et al., 2018) were performed. Physical activity (PA), functional fitness, physical function, health status, and HSU were compared at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months in participants with and without osteoarthritis. Separate longitudinal generalized estimating equation models were fit for each outcome variable. Missing data was accounted for using pattern mixture modeling. Within-group changes were examined using pairwise contrast analyses with the least significant difference correction for multiple comparisons.

Data from 128 participants (61.2 ± 7.3 years; 73.4% were female; 36.7% with OA) were analyzed. Over the study period, the OA group had more GP and specialist visits than the non-OA group while both groups showed similar improvements in cardiovascular endurance, lower body strength and flexibility. No changes were observed in other outcomes.

Despite lower baseline scores, participants with OA showed similar improvements in physical function to those without OA. Exercise may trigger pain flares, potentially contributing to higher HSU. Future research should investigate whether PA programs can reduce the need for long-term HSU and higher-cost treatments.