Examining the New-Member Effect to an Established Community-Based Physical Activity Program for Older Adults in England

Geoff Middleton (), Robyn Hambrook, Daniel C. Bishop, Lee Crust and David R. Broom
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Geoff Middleton: School of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Social Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
Robyn Hambrook: School of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Social Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
Daniel C. Bishop: School of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Social Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
Lee Crust: School of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Social Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
David R. Broom: Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 12, 1-12

Abstract: Community-based group physical activity programs promote exercise opportunities for older people. The aim of this study was to examine the short-term, new participant effect after joining Vitality, a community-based group physical activity program available in the East of England for older adults. Two independent groups of participants were assessed before and after an 8 week period: a group recruited from the ‘Vitality’ program (VP) (n 15, age: Age = 69.4 ± 6.4 y), and; a non-intervention control (CON) group (n 14, age: 64.5 ± 5.8 y). Assessment outcomes included basic physical health measures, a fitness test battery, and three psychological scales. The VP group recorded statistically significant improvements on the following outcomes: body mass (VP: −1.39 kg/CON: −0.2 kg), body mass index (VP: −1.5 kg/CON: −0.2 kg), 6 min walk (VP: +42.81 m/CON: −0.45 m), 30 s sit-to-stand (VP: −1.7 s/CON: −0.7 s), the chair sit-and-reach (VP: +3.12 cm/CON: +1.90 cm), and the 30 s arm curl test (VP: + 2 reps/CON: +0.9 reps). No significant differences were found with the other outcomes assessed. New members to the Vitality program achieved several physical and functional benefits without regression on any aspects of physical or psychological health.

Keywords: older adults; exercise; physical fitness; elderly; therapeutic exercise (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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