Comparing functional fitness and quality of life and in men older adults with and without fear of fall and fall history

Background/aims Physical fitness is crucial in preserving independence and quality of life for older adults. A functional physical fitness assessment has been designed specifically for those aged 60 years and over. This study explored older people's perceptions of this assessment, conducted by student physiotherapists, and the feasibility of a larger study to evaluate the long-term effects of its use. Methods A total of five scheduled drop-in sessions were arranged. Participants aged 60 years and over were recruited. Physiotherapy students conducted the assessment and participants completed follow-up physical activity status and quality of life questionnaires as well as an evaluation of the session. Focus groups were conducted to explore participant's perceptions and experiences. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results Overall, 91 adults (aged 60–93 years) participated, 75 (46 (61%) women and 10 (13%) men) completed questionnaires, and seven attended focus groups. In total, 100% of the 91 participants suggested that those aged 60 years and over would benefit from functional fitness assessment, and 79% perceived this would lead to increased physical activity. Focus group participants reported they enjoyed working with students and suggested that regular assessment would provide a yardstick for their level of fitness, that they would like to repeat their tests next year and that ‘they were mentally a positive thing’. Conclusions Functional fitness assessments were perceived as useful and encouraged older adults to increase their activity levels. Students successfully completed the tests in non-healthcare settings. This study suggests that a large trial designed to assess the benefit of regular functional fitness assessment for the over 60s in community settings is feasible.

Download Full-text

The Relationship between Functional Fitness and Health-Related Quality of Life in Korean Older Adults

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise ◽

10.1249/01.mss.0000402597.12735.e5 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 43 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 930

Author(s):

Misook Lee ◽

Kiyoji Tanaka

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Functional Fitness ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

Fitness And Health ◽

The Relationship

Download Full-text

Effects of Pilates and aqua fitness training on older adults’ physical functioning and quality of life

Biomedical Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/bhk-2013-0005 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 22-27 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Magdolna Vécseyné Kovách ◽

Judit Kopkáné Plachy ◽

József Bognár ◽

Zsuzsanna Olvasztóné Balogh ◽

István Barthalos

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Functional Fitness ◽

Lower Body ◽

Body Strength ◽

Fitness Training

Abstract Study aim: To measure the effects of Pilates and aqua fitness training on functional fitness and quality of life in older individuals. Material and methods: A total of 54 participants (M = 66.4 ± 6.2 years) from a club for retired people in Eger, Hungary, were randomly assigned to 3 groups: one did Pilates 3 times/week (n = 22); one did aqua fitness 3 times/week (n = 17); and a control group (n = 15). The Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (FFFT) was used to measure functional fitness pre - and post-program. Quality of life was measured by WHO’s quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL). Results: In the FFFT, significant improvement was found in 5 out of 7 variables: lower and upper body strength, lower body flexibility, physical mobility (especially dynamic balance), and aerobic endurance by the Pilates group. Shoulder flexibility improved significantly in the Aqua fitness group. Lower body strength improved in the control group. BMI did not change significantly in any of the groups. WHOQOL showed improvement in perception and autonomy in the Pilates group; sociability in the Aqua group. The between-subject analyses yielded a significant main effect of the experimental group F(1, 52) = 4367 (p < 0.001). Discussion: A 6-month intervention program is an appropriate tool to improve overall physical performance of healthy, inactive older adults, regardless of the type of exercise concerning Pilates or Aqua fitness, but might improve only some aspects of QOL. There is a strong need for well-designed intervention programs for the elderly.

Download Full-text