Mason R Christopher, Horvat Michael, Nocera Joe
Delaware State University, Dover, DE 19901, USA.
University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
J Aging Res. 2016;2016:8309284. doi: 10.1155/2016/8309284. Epub 2016 Jul 12.
Introduction. Understanding how exercise affects individuals with varying levels of functional ability will provide further insight into the role of exercise during the aging process. It will also aid in the development of exercise programs that are appropriate for a wider spectrum of older adults. Specifically it was the primary aim of this study to determine and compare the effects of 10 weeks of community-based exercise on the cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and balance fitness components of older adult women with high and moderate-low levels of physical function. Methods. Participants were placed in either the high functioning (n = 13) or moderate/low functioning (n = 17) groups based on their level of physical functioning. Fitness components were measured by the Senior Fitness Test and physical function was determined by the Composite Physical Function scale. Results. The results of the 3 × 2 mixed ANOVA statistical analysis showed no significant interaction effect for time ⁎ group for any of the six subtests (chair stand, arm curls, 2-minute step, chair sit-and-reach, back scratch, and 6-foot up-and-go) of the SFT. However, the main effect of time was significant for all fitness components and the main effect of group was significant for all fitness components except lower extremity flexibility. Discussion. Community-based exercise programs offering a variety of exercise types to people with varying levels of functional ability can be useful in maintaining or improving fitness and independence. These programs may also be capable of improving the self-efficacy of lower functioning older adults toward performing daily tasks.
引言。了解运动如何影响不同功能能力水平的个体，将有助于进一步洞察运动在衰老过程中的作用。这也将有助于制定适合更广泛老年人群体的运动计划。具体而言，本研究的主要目的是确定并比较为期10周的社区运动对身体功能高、中低水平老年女性的心血管耐力、肌肉力量、柔韧性和平衡能力等健康指标的影响。方法。根据身体功能水平，将参与者分为高功能组（n = 13）或中低功能组（n = 17）。健康指标通过老年人健身测试进行测量，身体功能由综合身体功能量表确定。结果。3×2混合方差分析统计分析结果显示，在老年人健身测试的六个子测试（坐立试验、手臂弯举、两分钟踏步试验、坐姿体前屈、背部抓挠试验和6英尺起身行走试验）中，时间×组间交互作用均无显著差异。然而，时间的主效应在所有健康指标上均显著，组间主效应在除下肢柔韧性外的所有健康指标上均显著。讨论。为不同功能能力水平的人群提供多种运动类型的社区运动计划，有助于维持或改善健康状况及独立性。这些计划还可能提高功能较低的老年人执行日常任务的自我效能感。
