Effectiveness of a community basedlow intensity exercise program for older adults

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a community-based, low-intensity exercise programme in older adults from socio-economically and historically disadvantaged Communities. Design: Three community centres were selected: two were allocated to the same 20-week, twice-weekly exercise program (EX1, n=38; EX2, n=32); and a third to relaxation classes (control/CTL; n=21). Measurements at baseline, 10 and 20 weeks included field tests for anthropometry, static and dynamic balance, gait, upper and lower body strength, 6-minute walk test, blood pressure, activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), physical activity recall and self perceived health status. Results: Exercise training significantly improved dynamic balance in both groups (75.1 +/- 31.5 vs 55.3 +/- 13.6 s, and 53.3 +/- 17.0 vs 37.0 +/- 10.4 s, for EX1 and EX2, respectively, p < 0.00 1 compared to CTL (57 +/- 27 vs 53 +/- 15 s). Lower body strength, as Measured by the number of sit-to-stand repetitions in 10 s was also significantly improved in both EX1 and EX2 (p < 0.001). No significant changes occurred in the CTL group. Systolic blood pressure decreased in both EX1 and EX2 from baseline to 20 weeks (147.8 +/- 12.8 vs 143.9 +/- 13.3 mmHg and 143.0 +/- 13.9 vs 137.4 +/- 14.5 mmHg, respectively, p < 0.009, compared to CTL (147 +/- 13 to 150 +/- 16mmHg). Furthermore, in a sub sample of subjects who were hypertensive at the Outset, exercise intervention was associated with a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (n=26; 146 +/- 14 mmHg to 140 +/- 14 mmHg; p = 0.005). Variables unaffected by exercise training were upper body strength, body composition and fat distribution, 20m walk, cardiovascular endurance, time spent in recreational activities, self perceived health status and ADL. Conclusion: A community-based, low intensity exercise programme improved dynamic balance and lower body strength in community dwelling older adults and improved blood pressure, particularly in those who were hypertensive.