Abstract
BackgroundPhysical activity is associated with better physical and mental health in older adults. Pole walking is a form of walking which may have additional health benefits in older adults, because of the addition of hand held poles, and consequent upper limb involvement. However, few studies have examined the potential additional effects of pole walking on physical and psychosocial health in older adults compared with walking. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of a pole walking program with the effects of a walking program, on physical and psychosocial wellbeing, in older adults in assisted living facilities.Methods/DesignSixty men and women from assisted living communities over 65 years will be recruited from senior retirement facilities and randomized into a group based, pole walking program, or walking program. The pole walking group will use the Exerstrider method of pole walking. Total duration of the programs is 12 weeks, with three sessions per week, building from 20 minute to 30 minute sessions.The primary outcome is physical function, as measured by items from the Seniors Fitness Test and hand grip strength. Secondary outcomes include, physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour, joint pain, and quality of life. All outcomes will be assessed before and after the programs, using valid and reliable measures.DiscussionThe study will add to the evidence base for the effects of pole walking, compared with walking, on physical and psychosocial health and physical function, in healthy older adults. This will improve understanding about the feasibility of pole walking programs and its specific benefits in this population.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612001127897.
Highlights
Physical activity is associated with better physical and mental health in older adults
The study will add to the evidence base for the effects of pole walking, compared with walking, on physical and psychosocial health and physical function, in healthy older adults
US guidelines for older adults add that some physical activity (PA) is better than none, and that older adults who participate in any amount of PA will gain health benefits [5,9]
Summary
Physical activity is associated with better physical and mental health in older adults. Few studies have examined the potential additional effects of pole walking on physical and psychosocial health in older adults compared with walking. Regular PA leads to improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, endurance and flexibility [2] It is associated with a decrease in the overall burden of disease, as well as Australian PA guidelines for older adults recommend accumulation of at least two and one half hours of moderate intensity PA on most, preferably all, days of the week for health benefits [8]. There will be a significant increase in the number of older adults who could potentially obtain health benefits from regular participation in PA. It is important to find feasible ways for older adults to increase their PA levels
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
