Effects of a community-based physical activity program in older adults: Analysis of Longitudinal Data from healthy aging regional collaborative, south Florida

Introduction: Physical activity in older adults is associated with many health benefits. Analyzing physical activity changes over time among participants in evidence-based exercise program can allow researchers to determine the minimum number of sessions required to drive health benefits.

Methods: 3,512 older adults attended Enhance Fitness (EF) sessions in South Florida between October 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011. Functional Fitness Check (FFC) determined strength (arm curls and chair stands in 30 seconds) and functional mobility (seconds to complete one eight-foot up-and-go circuit) of participants. Approximately 405 participants completed FFCs at five time points (Baseline, 4 months, 8 months, 12 months, and 16 months). Data from these participants is analyzed to determine change over time.

Results: Change in FFCs over time is determined using repeated measures ANOVA. Data were evaluated for outliers and were analyzed both with and without outliers. The result showed a significant difference in number of chair stands, arm curls and time taken to complete one circuit at five time points (F(3.40,366)=45.02, p<0.01;F(3.61,389)=42.99, p<0.01 and F(3.57,356)=16.47, p<0.01 respectively). Significant Bonferroni post-hoc test further confirmed improvement in FFCs from baseline to 16 months. The partial eta-squared was of large size for chair stand and arm curl (η²=.158 and η²=.152 respectively); however for up-and-go it was low (η²=.054). Analyses with outliers also revealed significant changes in all outcome variables.

Conclusion: Older adults showed positive change over time in FFCs. Further analysis of change with specific number of sessions is required to determine minimum sessions required for positive outcomes.