Outcomes of a Multi-Component Physical Activity Program for Sedentary, Community-Dwelling, Older Adults

Authors: Pamela E. Toto^a, Ketki D. Raina^a, Margo B. Holm^a, Elizabeth A. Schlenk^b, Elaine N. Rubinstein^c, and Joan C. Rogers^a

Affiliations: ^aUniversity of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Pittsburgh, PA. ^bUniversity of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA. ^cUniversity of Pittsburgh, Office of Measurement and Evaluation of Teaching, Pittsburgh, PA.

Acceptance Date:  October 9, 2011

Abstract: This single-group repeated-measures pilot study evaluated the effects of a 10-week, multi-component, best practice, exercise program on physical activity, ADL performance, physical performance, and depression in community-dwelling, older adults from low-income households (N = 15). Comparison of pretest and posttest scores using a one-tailed paired samples t-test resulted in improvement (p < .05) for 2 of 3 ADL domains on the Activity Measure-Post Acute Care (AM-PAC), and for 6 physical performance measures of the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant main effects for 3 of 8 physical activity measures using the Yale Physical Activity Scale (YPAS). Retention rate was 78.9%, and the adherence rate for group sessions was 89.7%. Results suggest that participation in a multi-component, best practice physical activity program with sedentary, community-dwelling older adults may positively impact physical activity, ADL performance, and physical performance.