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- Title
Should Physical Activity Programs Be Tailored When Older Adults Have Compromised Function?
- Authors
Marsh, Anthony P.; Chmelo, Elizabeth A.; Katula, Jeffrey A.; Mihalko, Shannon L.; Rejeski, W. Jack
- Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a walking program supplemented by tasks designed to challenge balance and mobility (WALK+) could improve physical function more than a traditional walking program (WALK) in older adults at risk for mobility disability. 31 community-dwelling older adults (M ± SD age = 76 ± 5 yr; Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] score = 8.4 ± 1.7) were randomized to treatment. Both interventions were 18 sessions (1 hr, ×/wk) and progressive in intensity and duration. Physical function was assessed using the SPPB and the 400- m-walk time. A subset of participants in the WALK group who had relatively lower baseline function showed only small improvement in their SPPB scores after the intervention (0.3 ± 0.5), whereas a subset of participants in the WALK+ group with low baseline function showed substantial improvement in their SPPB scores (2.2 ± 0.7). These preliminary data underscore the potential importance of tailoring interventions for older adults based on baseline levels of physical function.
- Subjects
WALKING; AEROBIC exercises; HUMAN locomotion; FITNESS walking; HEALTH of older people; FRAIL elderly
- Publication
Journal of Aging & Physical Activity, 2009, Vol 17, Issue 3, p294
- ISSN
1063-8652
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1123/japa.17.3.294