The Impact Of A University-based Exercise Program On Functional Abilities In Elderly Population

Abstract

Functional capacity typically begins to decline after approximately 30 yrs of age. This is believed to be a normal response to the aging process. However, it has been demonstrated that regular participation in exercise may attenuate this age-related decline in functional capacity in the older adult. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if participation in an exercise program designed for the older adult slows or prevents the expected functional decline in this age group. METHODS: Eight male (76.6 ± 3.1yrs of age) and 7 female adults (72.3 ± 9.8 yrs of age) volunteered to participate in an exercise program for a period of two years. The program consisted of three, 60-minute sessions per week. Functional fitness parameters that were evaluated at the start and end of the program included: upper body strength (arm curl test), lower body strength (chair stand test), upper body flexibility (back-scratch test), lower body flexibility (chair sit and reach test), agility/dynamic balance (8-foot and go) and aerobic endurance (6-minute walk test). RESULTS: Gender (male, female) by time (pre, post) ANCOVAs, co-varying for total attendance, demonstrated no significant decreases in functional fitness parameters over time (P = 0.10), nor were there any main or interaction effects of gender (P= 0.12). While not statistically significant participants exhibited improvements in the majority of functional fitness tests when examining pre and post intervention data: Chair Stand Test (15.9 ± 3.4 vs 17.3 ± 5.8), Arm Curl Test (21.6 ± 5.7 vs 22.4 ± 7.1), Chair Sit and Reach Test (-0.6 ± 4.6 vs -1.7 ± 4.4), Back Scratch Test (= -3.7 ± 3.9 vs -3.0 ± 3.5), 8-Foot Up and Go Test (4.9 ± 1.1 vs 4.8±1.1) and 6-Minute Walk test (553.4 ± 64.8 vs 559.0 ± 97.5). CONCLUSIONS: Participation in an exercise program for the older adult may attenuate the normal age-related declines in functional capacity and maintain or possibly improve the ability of older adults to perform activities of daily living.