Effects of a Physical Exercise Program on the Physical Capacities of Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

PURPOSE

To measure the effects of an exercise program on the physical capacities of older adults such as strength, flexibility, balance, and aerobic capacity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a quasi-experimental study on a population of 5550 older adults and a sample of 4830 participants in an active aging program designed by the Municipal Health Secretary. The exercise program lasted 12 months, and pre-and post-program intervention measures were recorded using the senior fitness test.

RESULTS

Most participants were women (92.4%) and their mean age was 70.7 years (standard deviation, 7.3 years; range, 60-97 years). All areas showed significant differences before and after the program in terms of the participants' physical capabilities ( < 0.05), muscular strength and flexibility had a more significant mean difference and a large effect (>0.80), except for aerobic capacity, which had a small effect.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that a supervised physical exercise program at the community level has positive effects on the physical capacities of coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, and aerobic capacity, which are essential components for a better functional capacity at this stage of life, with improvements that encompassed the improved self-perception of their health status, a reduction of overweight and obesity. The reinforcement of these programs is recommended, consequently, promoting pre-sport games and sports championships among the elderly population, as a public health strategy.