Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, Vol 55, Issue 2 M74-M83, Copyright © 2000 by The Gerontological Society of America

RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Comparative effects of two physical activity programs on measured and perceived physical functioning and other health-related quality of life outcomes in older adults

AC King, LA Pruitt, W Phillips, R Oka, A Rodenburg and WL Haskell
Stanford Center for Research in Disease Prevention, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94304-1583, USA. king@scrdp.stanford.edu

BACKGROUND: Although inactivity is an important contributor to impaired functioning and disability with age, little is known concerning how improvements in physical functioning and well-being in older adults vary with the type of physical activity undertaken. METHODS: One hundred three adults age 65 years and older, recruited via population- based methods, were randomized to 12 months of community-based, moderate-intensity endurance and strengthening exercises (Fit & Firm) or stretching and flexibility exercises (Stretch & Flex). A combination of class- and home-based exercise formats was used. Measured and self- rated physical performance along with perceived functioning and well- being were assessed pre- and postintervention. RESULTS: Fit & Firm subjects showed greater 12-month improvements in both measured and self- rated endurance and strength compared to Stretch & Flex subjects. Stretch & Flex subjects reported greater improvements in bodily pain, and Stretch & Flex men evidenced greater improvements in flexibility relative to Fit & Firm subjects. Although overall exercise adherence was high in both exercise conditions (approximately 80%), subjects in both conditions showed better adherence to the home- versus class-based portions of their exercise prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based programs focusing on moderate-intensity endurance and strengthening exercises or flexibility exercises can be delivered through a combination of formats that result in improvement in important functional and well-being outcomes. This represents one of the first studies to report significant improvements in an important quality of life outcome-bodily pain-with a regular regimen of stretching and flexibility exercises in a community-based sample of older adults.

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