Recorded presentation

James H. Rimmer, PhD¹, Barth B. Riley, PhD¹, Susan L. Hughes, DSW², Edward Wang¹, and Janine Jurkowski, MPH, PhD³. (1) Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1640 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60608-6904, 312-413-9651, jrimmer@uic.edu, (2) Center for Research on Health and Aging, University of Illinois at Chicago, 850 W. Jackson (M/C 275), Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60607, (3) Community Health Sciences Division, University of Illinois at Chicago, 701 W. Jackson Blvd #603, Chicago, IL 60661

Persons with disabilities are prone to secondary conditions resulting from a sedentary lifestyle. The present study examined the relative efficacy of two approaches to overcoming these barriers: a home-based and community-based physical activity intervention. Participants were 124 older adults (M age=54.7+ 9.9 years) diagnosed with diabetes (n=42), stroke (n=44), or arthritis (n=38). Following a 12-week exercise program, participants were randomized into one of three conditions: (1) home-based (HB) intervention, in which participants were given a Schwinn airdyne stationary bicycle; (2) community-based (CB) intervention that consisted of a fitness center membership; and (3) control group. Participants were followed every six months over two years. Generalized estimating equation regression and logistic regression models were developed to predict the effect of treatment condition on exercise and psychosocial outcomes. Participation in both HB (OR=2.41, CI=1.65-3.53, p<.01) and CB (OR=1.83, CI=1.26-2.67, p<.01) groups was associated with a greater likelihood to engage in exercise. However, after six months, exercise participation was significantly less likely to occur in all groups (HB: OR=0.65, CI=0.55-0.76, p<.01; CB: OR=0.77, CI=0.69-0.85, p<.01; Control: OR=0.74, CI=0.67-0.81, p<.01). These findings suggest that additional supports may be necessary in order for persons with disabilities to adhere to an exercise program regardless of where the program is located.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the treatment effects of a home-based vs. community-based exercise program in an older population with chronic disease.
• Identify potential issues surrounding exercise adherence in older adults with chronic disease.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Adolescent Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation