A Novel Exercise Initiative for Seniors to Improve Balance and Physical Function

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and short term effects of an exercise intervention using a novel exercise park in improving senior's balance, physical function and quality of life. Methods: Randomised controlled trial with pre and post intervention design (Baseline and 18-week intervention). Outcomes measures included measures of balance, strength and function as well as quality of life and fear of falling. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to assess differences between groups (Control and Exercise Intervention) over time.Results: Intervention group showed significant improvement on single leg stance (p=0.02, 95%CI -8.35 to -.549), knee strength (p<0.01, -29.14 to -5.86), two-minute walk (p=0.02, -19.13 to -.859) and timed sit to stand (p=0.03, -2.26 to -.143) tests. Discussion: The exercise park program improved physical function and had high adherence and participation rate. Such intervention has been shown to be safe and therefore might enhance participation in exercise programs for older adults.

Outdoor physical activity for older people—the senior exercise park: Current research, challenges and future directions

“…The full description of the approach and outcomes (methods, design, randomisation process, exercises and assessments) associated with evaluation of the senior exercise park are described elsewhere (Ethics Approval HRE13‐215). This study was conducted between 2013 and 2015.…”

“…significant improvement in lower limb muscle strength, function and balance following 18 weeks of the exercise park program for older people. 9 High adherence (attendance) rates (80%) were evident and were related to participants' enjoyment of exercising outdoors with fun and enjoyable exercises and the associated social interaction. 10 This study is a reflective narrative describing this innovative exercise approach, and reports challenges associated with establishment of the exercise park, conducting the randomised trial, strategies adopted to address these challenges and recommendations for future implementation of this approach in the community.…”

“…The exercise park was designed to actively promote community wellbeing through the provision of a unique exercise mode and social support program (eg, morning tea). The randomised controlled trial (RCT) identified significant improvement in lower limb muscle strength, function and balance following 18 weeks of the exercise park program for older people . High adherence (attendance) rates (80%) were evident and were related to participants’ enjoyment of exercising outdoors with fun and enjoyable exercises and the associated social interaction …”

Innovative solutions to enhance safe and green environments for ageing well using stakeholder co-design.

“…Worldwide, new urban design initiatives are emerging to transform public spaces, increase physical activity, participation, and social interaction, and reduce the growing burden of chronic diseases, in older adults. Notable recent developments include exercise parks fit for older people's purpose [7,8], smart home technology [9], dementia villages [10], and scoping of 'walkable' neighbourhood design features [11]. Sales et al [8] reported that short-term use of a novel exercise park improved physical function in older adults, and was associated with high rates of adherence and participation.…”

“…Notable recent developments include exercise parks fit for older people's purpose [7,8], smart home technology [9], dementia villages [10], and scoping of 'walkable' neighbourhood design features [11]. Sales et al [8] reported that short-term use of a novel exercise park improved physical function in older adults, and was associated with high rates of adherence and participation. However, safety aspects of purpose-built outdoor exercise areas -for example where there is limited control over climatic and environmental changes -require further consideration [7].…”