Title
Randomized controlled resistance training based physical activity trial for central European nursing home residing older adults
Publication Date
10-1-2016
Publication Name
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
Document Type
Article
Abstract
© 2016 Edizioni Minerva Medica. Background: Nursing home residing older adults often experience fear of sickness or death, functional impairment and pain. It is diffcult for these older adults to maintain a physically active lifestyle and to keep a positive outlook on life. This study evaluated the changes in quality of life, attitude to aging, assertiveness, physical ftness and body composition of nursing home residing elderly through a 15-week organized resistance training based physical activity program. METHODS: Inactive older adults living in a state fnanced nursing home (N.=45) were randomly divided into two intervention groups and a control group. Both intervention groups were assigned to two physical activity sessions a week, but one of these groups also had weekly discussions on health and quality of life (Mental group). Data on anthropometric measures, ftness performance, as well as quality of life and attitudes to aging survey data were collected. due to low attendance rate 12 subjects were excluded from the analyses. Statistical analysis included paired Samples t-tests and repeated Measures analysis of Variance. RESULTS: Both intervention groups signifcantly improved their social participation, and their upper-and lower-body strength scores. Also, subjects in the Mental group showed improvement in agility ftness test and certain survey scales. No positive changes were detected in attitude towards aging and body composition measures in any groups. The post-hoc results suggest that Mental group improved signifcantly more than the control group. coNcluSioNS: regular physical activity with discussions on health and quality of life made a more meaningful difference for the older adults living in nursing home than physical activity alone. Due to the fact that all participants were in?uenced by the program, it is suggested to further explore this area for better understanding of enhanced quality of life.
Volume
56
Issue
10
First Page
1249
Last Page
1257