Title
Once a week is not enough: Effects of a widely implemented group based exercise programme for older adults; a randomised controlled trial
Author
Stiggelbout, M.
Popkema, D.Y.
Hopman-Rock, M.
de Greef, M.
van Mechelen, W.
Publication year
2004
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the effects of gymnastics on the health related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional status of independently living people, aged 65 to 80 years. Gymnastics formed part of the More Exercise for Seniors (MBvO in Dutch) programme, a group based exercise programme for older adults in the Netherlands. It has been widely implemented since 1980. Design: Randomised controlled trial with pretest and post-test measurements. Intervention: The exercise programme given by experienced instructors lasted 10 weeks and was given weekly (MBvO1; n = 125, six groups) or twice weekly (MBvO2; n = 68, six groups). The control group (n = 193) was offered a health education programme. Setting: Community dwelling of older people, with a comparatively low level of fitness as assessed with the Groningen Fitness test for the Elderly. Results: No significant effects were found on the HRQoL (Vitality Plus Scale, TAAQoL, and RAND-36) and the functional status (Physical Performance Test and the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale). The MBvO2 group, with a low level of physical activity at baseline, showed the only improvement found on the Vitality Plus Scale (F = 4.53; p = 0.01). Conclusions: MBvO gymnastics once a week did not provide benefits in HRQoL and functional status after 10 weeks. However, participants with a low level of physical activity may benefit from MBvO gymnastics if they participate twice a week. To improve the health of the general public, sedentary older adults should be recruited and encouraged to combine MBvO with the health enhancing physical activity guidelines.
Subject
Health
Elderly population
Clinical trial
Controlled clinical trial
Controlled study
Elderly care
Fitness
Measurement
Physical activity
Physical education
Physical performance
Randomized controlled trial
Sitting
Activities of Daily Living
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Community Health Services
Cross-Over Studies
Exercise
Female
Health Education
Health Promotion
Humans
Male
Netherlands
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Quality of Life
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DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.58.2.83
TNO identifier
237615
ISSN
0143-005X
Source
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 58 (2), 83-88
Document type
article