Outdoor Exercise Equipment Research Articles

Results from the ENJOY MAP for HEALTH: a quasi experiment evaluating the impact of age-friendly outdoor exercise equipment to increase older people’s park visitations and physical activity

BackgroundRecreational parks can play a significant role in older people’s health, with emerging evidence suggesting that changes in the physical environment, such as refurbishments of local parks, can increase park visitations and physical activity engagement. The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH aimed to evaluate the impact of Seniors Exercise Park installations and associated capacity building activities on older people’s park visitation, and park-based physical activity.MethodThe ENJOY MAP for HEALTH was a quasi-experiment study design that involved the installation of specialised Seniors Exercise Park equipment as part of park refurbishment, supported by promotion and community capacity building activities in six municipalities in Victoria, Australia. Direct observations of park users took place prior to park upgrades, one-month post upgrade and 12-months from baseline. The overall number and characteristics of park visitors, and the type and level of physical activity undertaken, were summarised descriptively. Generalised linear models were used to examine the impact of park refurbishment (equipment installation and site activation) on the total number of older people observed in the park, and their engagement in physical activity, accounting for site and seasonal effects.ResultsOverall number of visits increased following park upgrades, with the largest number of visitors observed one-month post upgrade (n = 12,501). The proportion of older people observed at the parks remained relatively low prior to and one-month post upgrade compared to other age groups. However, after adjusting for site and seasonal effects, the number of older people observed in the parks increased significantly post upgrade and site activation compared to prior to the refurbishment (incidence rate ratios (IRR) 3.55; 95% CI 2.68, 4.70). The number of older people observed to be exercising at the Seniors Exercise Park also increased by 100% at 12-months post-installation relative to one-month post upgrade (IRR 2.00; 95% CI 1.26, 3.17).ConclusionInstallation of the Seniors Exercise Parks and the supportive programs and activities following six park upgrades resulted in an increase in older people’s park visitation and engagement in physical activity. Community engagement and training of volunteers with the support of local governments are likely to contribute to the increased park usage by older people.Trial registrationThis trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Trial registration number ACTRN12621000965808. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380745&isReview=true.

Older people’s views and usage of recreational spaces in parks with age-friendly outdoor exercise equipment

ABSTRACT Recreational spaces are important public spaces for people of all ages to engage in leisure and physical activities, however older people remain one of the lowest users of park. This study investigated older people’s perceptions and reasons for visiting parks that have undergone refurbishment with the installation of age-friendly outdoor exercise equipment, the Seniors Exercise Park. On-site intercept surveys took place in six parks in Victoria, Australia. Seniors Exercise Park equipment usage was audited over 12 months using on-site Quick Response (QR). A total of 139 older people were surveyed, 55.4% reported visiting to exercise, 25.9% for walking and 21.5% for fresh air/nature. Proximity to home/family (37.4%) and the availability of the Seniors Exercise Park equipment (36.7%) were the main reasons for visiting these parks. The availability of age-suitable exercise equipment in recreational spaces can support and encourage older people to access local parks and engage in physical activity.

The ENJOY Seniors Exercise Park IMP-ACT project: IMProving older people’s health through physical ACTivity: a hybrid II implementation design study protocol

IntroductionThe health benefits of physical activity are well established; however, most older people are not sufficiently physically active. Despite the availability of various physical activity interventions and programs, implementation of effective prevention strategies to reduce older people’s physical inactivity are lacking. The ENJOY IMP-ACT project is an implementation research project, based on a previous evidence-based physical and social activity program utilising specialised outdoor exercise equipment (the Seniors Exercise Park) for older people. The ENJOY IMP-ACT aims to increase participation in physical activity to improve health outcomes for older people in Victoria, Australia.MethodThe ENJOY IMP-ACT is a hybrid II implementation-effectiveness pre-post mixed method study design. Five local governments (6 public sites/parks) will undergo a 3-month control period followed by 9-months implementation intervention (TERM framework intervention: Training, Engagement, Resources development, Marketing and promotion), and a maintenance phase (3 months). Various methodologies will be employed throughout the project at each site and will include direct observations of park users, intercept surveys with park users, online access monitor platform (using an online app), interviews with stakeholders and exercise program leaders, a process evaluation of physical activity programs, a social return-on-investment analysis, and other related activities.DiscussionThrough the implementation framework design, the ENJOY IMP-ACT is uniquely placed to translate an evidenced-based physical and social activity program into real world settings and increase physical activity among older people. If successful, this program will inform scale up across Australia with the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of older people.Trial registrationThis registration trial is prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Trial number ACTRN12622001256763. Date registered 20/09/2022.

야외 운동기구를 활용한 서킷트레이닝이 저 체력 학생의 건강체력 및 신체적 자기효능감에 미치는 영향

The purposes of this study are to plan a circuit training exercise program with outdoor exercise equipment on physical fitness and physical self-efficacy. among the 1st grade male students of T High School in Gimpo City, 40 students lowphysical strength were the subjects of the study. The findings were as follows: First, the students engaged in self-directed physical activities by devising a specific instructional plan for circuit training exercise and concrete circuit practice methods and participating in them for themselves to promote their health-related physical fitness; secondly, the circuit training exercise program stimulated the students' internal participation motivation and encouraged them to improve their health-related physical fitness in muscular strength, power, flexibility, and cardiopulmonary endurance; and finally, the circuit training exercise program helped the students shake off the stereotype that exercise was tiresome and hard, change their perception of exercise as an easy and fun activity, and improve their physical self-efficacy.

IMPACTOS DA COVID-19 SOBRE O ESPORTE DOS ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Students have realized the importance of physical education after the epidemic of COVID-19 and have increased the demand of seeking a healthy lifestyle even during home isolation. In contrast, the current physical education system in colleges and universities does not meet the real demands of its students, demonstrating a barrier between teaching and learning. Objective: Study students’ lifestyle and sports habits during the epidemic of COVID-19. Methods: An online questionnaire was conducted to investigate and analyze students’ home exercise environment, lifestyle and exercise practices, and exercise psychology during COVID-19. A total of 1274 valid questionnaires were obtained. The data from the questionnaires were entered, sorted, and analyzed, and relevant figures were drawn and discussed. Results: It was noted that students mostly preferred outdoor exercise equipment and hands-free activities outside the home. This picture reversed during the COVID-19 epidemic when students preferred indoor equipment. In terms of exercise programs, an effective exercise program is needed to allow people to exercise effectively during home isolation. Conclusion: Physical education teachers in colleges and universities should select the right means of physical fitness to combine sports and sports life that can be practiced at home, according to the actual situation of students and their psychological demands. Students should be given a better sports experience during the quarantine process, stimulating them to stay positive and with good physical quality, aiming at strengthening immunity and reducing the risk of infection by COVID-19. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Feasibility of an Intervention Targeting Health through Exergaming as an Alternative to Routine Treatment (FIT HEART): protocol for a non-randomised two-armed pilot study

BackgroundDespite elevated risk of cardiometabolic disease among those with serious mental illness, and widespread recognition that physical activity interventions are required, there are multiple barriers to implementing typically recommended physical activity programmes in secure inpatient settings. Due to low mood, negative symptoms and poor socio-occupational functioning, psychiatric inpatients often lack motivation to engage in physical activity programmes. Moreover, regular access to outdoor spaces and exercise equipment is limited. As such, there is a need for novel physical activity interventions that are suitable for secure settings. This study aims to investigate the feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of an intervention (exergaming) to promote physical activity among patients in a secure mental health setting.MethodsThis non-randomised, two-arm pilot study will employ a pre-test/post-test parallel group design, comparing the exergaming intervention with a “routine treatment” control. Two high-secure, sub-acute wards in the Long Bay Hospital Mental Health Unit will be non-randomly allocated to either the exergaming intervention or the “routine treatment” control group.The intervention group will receive a 12-week programme comprising three 30-min exergaming sessions per week using various Xbox KinectTM activity-based games designed to simulate moderate intensity exercise. The “routine treatment” group will continue to receive the standard model of care delivered by the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network. Accelerometers will be distributed to all participants to collect daily energy expenditure, number of steps taken, intensity of physical activity and heart rate data throughout the study.The primary outcomes are (1) intervention feasibility and acceptability, and (2) baseline to post-intervention changes in physical health outcomes (levels of physical activity; cardiovascular fitness; clinical measures of cardiometabolic risk). Secondary outcomes are baseline to post-intervention changes in mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, stress, positive psychiatric symptoms). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention.DiscussionThis research will contribute to evidence-based practice in the care of patients with serious mental illness: a vulnerable population with complex physical and mental health needs and a markedly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings will inform cardiovascular health promotion strategies and the implementation of physical activity interventions in secure inpatient settings.Trial registrationANZCTR, ACTRN12619000202167. Registered on 12 February 2019, https://www.anzctr.org.au. ANZCTR mandatory data items comply with the minimum dataset requirements of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The ANZCTR contributes trial registration data to the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP).

The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH: Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY for older people—More Active People for HEALTHier communities: a study protocol

BackgroundPhysical activity is important to maintain health in older age, with physical activity in the outdoors providing mental and physical health benefits for all age groups. One way by which older people can engage in physical activity in the outdoors is through using suitable age-friendly outdoor exercise equipment, the Seniors Exercise Park. The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH aims to evaluate the effect of the Seniors Exercise Park installation and associated capacity building activities on park visitation, park-based physical activity by older people and delivery of community physical activity programs.MethodThis study is a quasi-experimental (natural experiment) with pre and post study design evaluating the effect of age-friendly outdoor spaces with specialised outdoor exercise equipment on older people’s physical activity and wellbeing in six Victorian municipalities (local governments/councils). Each council will undergo four stages (site construction and development, promotion and marketing, capacity building and training, evaluation and sustainability). Several activities and methods will be employed from stage one through stage four to evaluate the potential impact of the age-friendly outdoor spaces on physical activity and wellbeing and will comprise the following elements: site observation and equipment utilisation, face to face intercept surveys, development of an online access monitor and community building activities.DiscussionThe project is expected to result in a significant change in the physical outdoor environment for the participating councils and communities whereby older people and other community members will be able to engage in safe physical and social activity programs, socialise more and hence improve the overall wellbeing of older people.Trial registrationThis trial is retrospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Trial registration number ACTRN12621000965808. Date registered 23/07/2021.

Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY\u2014ENJOY program for independence in dementia: a feasibility pilot randomised controlled trial study protocol

BackgroundWhile the underlying neuropathology of dementia is not curable, interventions and treatment, such as physical activity, can offer physical and functional gains leading to better mobility, independence and quality of life. The Seniors Exercise Park program is an evidence-based physical and social activity program using an innovative design in outdoor exercise equipment specifically designed for older people. This unique program has never been tested with older people living with dementia. This study will evaluate the feasibility of delivering the Seniors Exercise Park program for people living with mild to moderate dementia in residential aged-care. This study will identify the optimal physical activity program, evaluate the safety of equipment usage and determine optimal supervision needs. The potential physical, social, quality of life and cognitive benefits of participation in the Seniors Exercise Park program will also be examined.MethodsThis is a feasibility pilot randomised controlled design with pre-post evaluation. Adults aged ≥ 60 years who have symptoms of dementia and/or who have been diagnosed with dementia will be recruited from an aged-care facility in Melbourne. Participants allocated to the intervention group will undergo a 12-week structured supervised physical activity program using the outdoor Seniors Exercise Park equipment followed by a 12-week maintenance phase (unstructured physical activity). Participants will be assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Participants allocated to the control group will attend activities provided by the aged-care facility. A sample of 12 participants per group is the targeted sample size. Feasibility will be evaluated in terms of recruitment rate, retention, attendance, overall adherence, dropout rate, adverse events, modifications to the exercise program delivery and supervision needs. A comprehensive suite of cognitive and health-related questionnaires and physical function measures will also be collected.DiscussionThe ENJOY program for independence in dementia will determine the suitability of the Seniors Exercise Park program for people diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia. Outcomes could inform future design of dementia-friendly built environments to increase physical activity participation for residential aged-care facilities.Trial registrationThis trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry—Registry Number ACTRN12620000733976. Registered on the 13th of July 2020.

Examining the Built Environment for Healthy Living via Virtual Street Audits.

During the fall 2019 and spring 2020 semesters, 156 MPH students enrolled in the Integrative Learning Experience at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health explored concepts of the built environment and health by auditing 2500 street segments in 4 urban neighborhoods in Birmingham, Alabama. In teams of 4 to 5, in-class and online students worked collaboratively to assess 63 built environment variables related to transportation, land use, advertisement, and neighborhood physical disorder. This type of “community assessment” is the first stage of the Evidence-based Public Health Framework and consistent with the applied nature of an MPH degree. Authors conducted secondary data analysis of final team assignments to demonstrate how students translated observations and ratings into practical recommendations for neighborhood improvements to promote physical activity. Students recommended improvements in neighborhood infrastructure and services, specifically: creating exercise space, providing outdoor exercise equipment, improving neighborhood safety, and cultivating a culture of health. The Integrative Learning Experience course encouraged students to use their knowledge and skills to prioritize recommendations to improve neighborhood conditions. Variable ratings and observations increased student awareness of the built environment and its potential to impact individual and community health. Moreover, the project helped students make connections between proximal outcomes, such as improving neighborhood walkability, and distal outcomes, such as improved health outcomes among residents. Finally, this project modeled for students the use of evidence-based strategies for making data-informed decisions, which are essential skills for new and emerging public health professionals.

Challenges and lessons learnt from the ENJOY project: recommendations for future collaborative research implementation framework with local governments for improving the environment to promote physical activity for older people

BackgroundThe physical environment has been shown to have a positive effect on the promotion of physical activity of older people. Outdoor environments that incorporate specialised exercise equipment suitable for older people are uniquely placed to promote physical activity and social connectedness amongst older people. The ENJOY project included the installation of specialised outdoor exercise equipment (the Seniors Exercise Park) and the delivery of a physical and social activity program for older people as part of a prospective pre-post research design. The installation of the specialised equipment in public sites and an aged care facility was also aimed at increasing usage of the equipment by older people from the wider community and to increase physical and social activities.MethodA conceptual framework for implementation and several engagement methods were utilised to guide the research and to support the participating partners throughout the project. This paper is a reflective narrative describing the collaborative process and approach utilised to engage local governments and community, and reports the challenges and the lessons learnt to inform future strategies for implementation.ResultsThe conceptual framework for the implementation process that guided the conduct and delivery of the ENJOY project included the core elements of the Interactive Systems Framework and the ecologic framework. These models incorporate elements of research-to-practice and community-centred implementation to accommodate the unique perspectives of a range of stakeholders.ConclusionPartner characteristics such as local governments’ structure and policy as well as community factors can impact on implementation. Partnership with local governments with effective communication, strategic planning and community and seniors engagement approaches are recommended for successful implementation. The lessons learnt can further assist public health research design around changes to the built environment to positively impact on older people’s physical activity levels.Trial registrationTrial registration number ACTRN12618001727235. Date of registration 19th October 2018, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375979

“It’s about getting the best bang for your buck”: Exploring local councils’ perceptions about providing exercise infrastructure in public parks

Growing evidence suggests that public parks enable physically active communities; however, little is known of the impact of council-provided exercise facilities in outdoor green spaces, and the challenges of providing this infrastructure at a local level. This paper sought to describe some of the factors, as perceived by local government area (LGA) council representatives within Queensland, Australia, that influence community use of, as well as council provision for, weight-bearing outdoor fitness station infrastructure in public parks. A nested mixed-methods study was employed, comprised of a survey sent to council representatives for all 78 Queensland LGAs (Stage 1), and follow-up interviews to elicit further insights into the provision of infrastructure in public parks (Stage 2; n=7). Perceptions around participants' corporate role in the provision of outdoor fitness stations were the focus of analyses. A thematic analysis described themes of: Moderating public attitudes and motivation; The flow of information; Supporting an active community; Return on investment; and Safety, complianceand climate. Provision of equipment was influenced by the perception that it represented poor value for money, in terms of the desired outcome of increased physical activity, especially when compared with other types of infrastructure (particularly, walking trails); however, opinions about this lack of use outdoor exercise equipment were most often based on anecdotal evidence. Councils are motivated to support active communities. They would benefit from better access to information about park usage, strategies for marketing healthy living initiatives and data about the economic benefits of parks. SO WHAT?: The current study explores the perspectives of LGA professional "gatekeepers," who develop and maintain public physical activity facilities. Their insights are essential to better understand the practicalities of delivering desirable urban green spaces for physically active communities.

Guidance about age-friendly outdoor exercise equipment and associated strategies to maximise usability for older people.

Outdoor exercise equipment has become popular as important environmental infrastructure to provide opportunities for physical activity and social connectedness in public settings. With higher sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity reported among older people, infrastructure changes and safe environments that promote older peoples’ health and mobility are required. Due to ageing‐related functional decline and health conditions associated with ageing, older adults may have special physical needs that require careful consideration when choosing outdoor equipment. However, limited information is available regarding the suitability of the types of exercise equipment for older people. This commentary provides further information on the type of equipment available, its functionality and suitability for older age populations and key considerations for the decision‐maker involved in selecting, installing and supporting community use of outdoor exercise equipment. Recommendations on what is required to maximise usability from a system or organisational‐based approach using research evidence is also discussed. Older people are more susceptible to the negative influences of their local environment and outdoor neighbourhood conditions. Consequently, the age‐friendliness and suitability of the outdoor exercise equipment characteristics, location and settings may facilitate older adults’ engagement in physical and social activities.

Placement of Outdoor Exercise Equipment and Physical Activity: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Two Parks in Southern California.

To reduce the burden of chronic disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded the Orange County Partnerships to Improve Health (OC-PICH) project in Orange County, California. One of the strategies included adding outdoor exercise equipment (OEE) in two parks in Garden Grove and Anaheim. Using a quasi-experimental pre-post design, we evaluated park users’ physical activity levels before and after OEE installation using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). The OEE was installed along a walking path in Edison Park (Anaheim) and grouped within a single area (a “fitness zone”) in Garden Grove Park. In both parks, there were significantly greater odds of high-intensity physical activity overall after the installation—19% higher odds in Anaheim, and 23% higher odds in Garden Grove. However, the fitness zone area in Garden Grove had substantially higher odds of increased physical activity post-intervention (OR = 5.29, CI: 3.76–7.44, p < 0.001). While the increases in physical activity levels are consistent with past studies that link OEE to higher levels of physical activity among park users, our findings also suggest that the location and placement of equipment within a park may be an important factor to consider when improving park amenities for physical activity.

Integrating Smartphone Technology, Social Support and the Outdoor Built Environment to Promote Community-based Aerobic and Resistance-based Physical Activity: Rationale and Study Protocol for the ‘ecofit’ Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionRegular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of numerous chronic diseases, and improve bone density and mental health. Yet, only 50% of Australian adults meet the aerobic physical activity guidelines and 9-19% meet the resistance-based physical activity guidelines. The aim of this study is to enhance community-based aerobic and resistance-based physical activity through the use of publicly available outdoor exercise equipment, social support and smartphone technology. Research design and methodsThe ecofit intervention will be evaluated using a two-arm randomized controlled trial. A total of 240 adults (aged 18-80) will be recruited and randomly allocated to either the ecofit intervention or a ‘wait-list’ control group. Both groups will have access to the two types of outdoor park exercise equipment, but the intervention group will be given access to the purpose-built ecofit app and a 90-minute introductory group training session. To promote social support, participants can enrol in a group of up to four individuals and access the ecofit Facebook group. The ecofit app include workout plans that can be tailored to different locations, difficulty levels and workout-types (i.e., resistance-only or combined resistance and aerobic workouts). Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline, 3- (primary-end point) and 9-months follow-up. The primary outcomes are upper and lower body muscular fitness. The secondary outcomes include physical activity, body composition, aerobic fitness, body mass index, self-report resistance-based physical activity, and mental health outcomes. The cost-effectiveness of the study will also be evaluated. Discussionecofit is an innovative, multi-component physical activity intervention that integrates smartphone technology, social support and the outdoor built environment to promote community-based aerobic and resistance-based physical. The findings will be used to guide future interventions and to support councils to promote community-based physical activity through the use of local outdoor exercise equipment. Trial registrationACTRN12619000868189.

Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY for older people \u2013 the ENJOY Senior Exercise Park project translation research protocol

BackgroundCreating inclusive and accessible outdoor environments that provide and encourage opportunities for older adults to engage in physical activity and social interaction is important for healthy ageing. The Senior Exercise Park is outdoor exercise equipment designed specifically for use by older people that provides physical and social benefits for older people in the community, and has the potential to be used widely as a sustainable mode of physical activity. The aim of this study is to implement and evaluate the effects of sustained engagement through the use of a community-based novel outdoor physical activity program (purpose-built exercise park) for older people on physical, mental and social health and physical activity outcomes (the ENJOY project).MethodsThis is a prospective pre-post design study with 12 months follow up. Adults aged ≥60 years will be recruited from the general community from the suburbs close to the Senior Exercise Parks locations in Melbourne. Participants will undergo a 12 week structured supervised physical activity program using the outdoor Senior Exercise Park equipment followed by 6 months unstructured physical activity program. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 3, 9, and 12 months. The following outcomes will be assessed: physical activity, physical function, psychosocial and mental health outcomes, falls risk and falls occurrence, participants’ feedback and satisfaction, and health care resource use.DiscussionThe ENJOY trial is designed to operate in a community setting with local government engagement to maximise the usage of the exercise park and provide an outdoor space for older people to be physically active. This project will evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of the outdoor exercise park on a range of health outcomes and its long-term usability in the community.Trial registrationThis trial is prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Trial registration number ACTRN12618001727235 registered 18th of October 2018.

Promoting Physical Activity in Parks

Background and Purpose: Adding outdoor gym equipment to a park has the potential to influence the physical activity of park users. This study piloted the feasibility of utilizing kinesiology students as physical activity coaches to promote physical activity and to motivate park users to use the outdoor exercise equipment in public parks. Methods: Pairs of student coaches (N=24) were placed in 10 parks throughout four cities for a total of 12 coaching sessions per week for 11 weeks. Students were trained in motivational interviewing techniques and behavior change skills to incorporate during their interactions with park users. Data was collected using attendance at the coaching sessions as well as the Systems for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities to scan park use before and after the pilot. Descriptive statistics and dependent t-tests were used to compare the difference in park use. Results: Students coached 205 residents and tracked 475 residents using the exercise equipment. There was no significant difference in park use (p=.066) or exercise equipment use (p=0.58), although numbers were lower after the pilot. However, the percentage of vigorously active users on the exercise equipment remained constant (37.9% vs. 36.3%, p=. 91). Conclusion: Despite no differences in use over time, the student coaches engaged with many users, supporting the feasibility of this approach.

Concurrent exercise circuit protocol performed in public fitness facilities meets the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for energy cost and metabolic intensity among older adults in Rio de Janeiro City

The current study investigated whether a single bout of concurrent exercise (Ex Rx) at Third Age Academies (TAAs) in Rio de Janeiro City meets the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for energy cost and metabolic intensity in older adults. Nine subjects (5 males and 4 females, 63-80 years of age) visited the laboratory for clinical screening and for anthropometrical, resting, and maximal oxygen uptake assessments. Thereafter, subjects performed an Ex Rx circuit consisting of a single circuit alternating aerobic and resistance exercises with outdoor exercise equipment using body mass as the load (total of 9 exercises, 1-2 sets of 15 repetitions). Expired gases were collected via a metabolic cart during exercise bouts. The mean observed energy cost value of 169.1 kcal was slightly greater than the minimum value of 150 kcal reported in the ACSM guidelines (p = 0.018). Like energy cost, all the intensity markers adopted to analyze the physiological strain induced by the Ex Rx circuit significantly exceeded their reference values for moderate intensity (reference values: 3.2 METs (mean observed value = 4.6 METs, p = 0.002); 40% of oxygen uptake reserve (mean observed value = 51.5%, p = 0.040); 40% of heart rate reserve (mean observed value = 64.1%, p < 0.001)), according to the ACSM guidelines. In conclusion, a single bout of Ex Rx circuit performed at TAAs in Rio de Janeiro City was able to induce a physiological strain (i.e., energy cost and intensity) compatible with ACSM recommendations for eliciting health benefits among older adults.

야외운동기구를 이용한 복합 운동프로그램이 여성노인의 건강관련 체력과 혈당 및 말초동맥에 미치는 영향

This study aims to examine the effect of complex exercise program using outdoor exercise equipment on health-related physical strength, blood glucose and peripheral arteries of elderly women. To this end, in this study, 12-week exercise program targeting 19 elderly women aged over 65 (9 in the exercise group, 10 in the control group), who resided in the Jeollanam-do Province and did not engage in physical activities regularly, was carried out. As a result, the following conclusion was obtained. First, upon measuring the health-related physical strength of the elderly women, the cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength of the lower body and muscular endurance of elderly women in the exercise group were improved significantly after exercise, showing a significant difference between the exercise and control groups. The exercise group showed improvements in the flexibility and balance, but showing no significant difference. As for quickness, there was no significant difference between before and after exercise, as well as between the exercise and control groups. Second, as a result of measuring changes in the blood glucose of the elderly women, the exercise group showed a significant decrease in the blood glucose; and a significant difference in the blood glucose was also shown between before and after exercise and between the exercise and control groups. Third, in measuring changes in the peripheral arteries of the elderly women, no significant difference was found between before and after exercise as well as between the exercise and control groups. As stated above, it was confirmed that the 12-week complex exercise program using outdoor exercise equipment had a positive effect on the improvement of health-related physical strength and on lowering blood glucose. Further study needs to be conducted on a larger number of subjects and present a more variety of exercise programs to improve the health of the elderly.

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

Exercising outdoors provide beneficial effect on mental and physical health for all ages. However, few older people exercise outdoors other than walking. While outdoor gyms have become increasingly common in Australia, limited outdoor exercise equipment specifically designed for older people is available in public spaces. We have set up and evaluated a unique purpose-built outdoor exercise park for older people in the community setting anddemonstrated positive physical and wellbeing outcomes associated with the provision of this unique exercise mode and social program. 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. Many challenges were encountered, including securing appropriate land to locate the exercise park, control of environmental factors for safety (non-slippery ground and equipment) as well as logistics in running the exercise program itself. Several adjustments in the equipment were also required to ensure safe use by older people. The inclusion of outdoor equipment for older people in public spaces or urban parks is important and careful consideration needs to be taken by local/public authorities to provide access, amenities and safety for all as well as activities to suit all ages. SO WHAT?: Seniors' exercise parks can be installed in public places and may provide an enjoyable and effective approach to engage older individuals in a more active and healthier lifestyle.

Six weeks of combined aerobic and resistance exercise using outdoor exercise machines improves fitness, insulin resistance, and chemerin in the Korean elderly: A pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a six-week-long exercise program using outdoor exercise equipment on fitness, insulin resistance and adipocytokines among Korean elderly. MethodsA total of 47 participants were randomized into one of the following three groups; control, resistance exercise or combined exercise (aerobic and resistance exercise). The resistance exercise group completed three resistance types of exercise. The combined exercise group completed five exercises, including three resistance types of exercise and two aerobic types of exercise. Participants’ body composition, fitness level, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and adipocytokines were measured at baseline and at the end of six weeks. ResultsAfter six weeks of exercise training, participants in the combined exercise group exhibited significant reduction in insulin, HOMA-IR and chemerin levels, while significant reduction was observed in HOMA-IR only in the resistance exercise group compared with the control group. Meanwhile, six weeks of exercise training, whether resistance exercise alone or combined, significantly improved upper body muscular strength/endurance and physical function compared to the control group. ConclusionsSix weeks of combined exercise using outdoor exercise equipment was effective in improving fitness, HOMA-IR, circulating chemerin levels, and other known risk factors of chronic diseases.