Effects of the functional fitness at home program on physical activity and functional fitness in older adults
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Lisa Kokx (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Pam Brown
Abstract: Functional fitness and physical activity participation are essential to promote successful aging and quality of life in older adults. The Functional Fitness at Home program is a virtual program that uses physical function assessments and behavior change strategies to facilitate older adults’ physical activity engagement and functional fitness. Eleven older adults completed a physical activity questionnaire (Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity) and eight self-administered functional performance assessments (Chair Rise, One Leg Balance, Standing Marching, Timed Up and Go, Overhead Reach, Behind Back Reach, Sit and Reach, and Handgrip Strength) before and after completing an eight-week, website-guided exercise program. The website provided education in exercise principles (frequency, intensity, time, type, and progression) for older adults and behavior change strategies (such as goal setting, self-monitoring, and motivation). The program instructor maintained weekly remote contact with the participants. Significant improvements were seen in the Chair Rise, One Leg Balance- Left and Right, Standing Marching, and Handgrip Strength. Significant improvements were seen in participants’ physical activity engagement (aerobic conditioning, muscle strengthening, flexibility, and balance training). There was a significant reduction in participants’ sitting more than two hours at a time as well as the percentage of the day they spent sitting. The Post-Program Survey indicated 10 out of 11 participants felt that the program increased their functional fitness. Ten of the participants said the program was beneficial. This study’s findings suggest that the Functional Fitness at Home program has the potential to be an effective strategy to improve physical activity participation and functional fitness in older adults.
Effects of the functional fitness at home program on physical activity and functional fitness in older adults
PDF (Portable Document Format)
4523 KB
Created on 5/1/2022
Views: 336
Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2022
- Keywords
- Exercise, Functional fitness, Older adults, Physical activity
- Subjects
- Physical fitness for older people
- Exercise for older people