Outcomes of Stay Strong, Stay Healthy in Community Settings. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ball, Stephen; Gammon, Robin; Kelly, Patricia J.; Cheng, An-Lin; Chertoff, Keyna; Kaume, Lydia; Abreu, Eduardo L.; Brotto, Marco
• Is Part Of: Journal of aging and health. Volume 25:Number 8(2013)
• Page Start: 1388
• Page End: 1397
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: elderly -- falls prevention -- exercise -- community programs -- extension; Older people -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1177/0898264313507318
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0898-2643

Abstract

Loss of muscle strength, flexibility, and balance are strong predictors of falls in the elderly.Objectives: The goal of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of a 10-week, strength-based exercise program delivered by Extension professionals.Methods : Matched pair t tests were used to compare differences in five measures of fitness collected from 808 participants (mean age = 65.4 years) at the start and finish of the exercise program.Results: Following programming, participants significantly improved strength, flexibility, and balance.Discussion: Results indicate that an evidence-based program can be translated into a community Extension program that is able to improve the fitness level of seniors.