Aim. The Group-Based Physical Activities (GBPA) for independent older adults, leaded in accord with guideline, are able to improve health-related physical capacities. Aim of this research is to verify how physical capacities are modified in subjects with different initial levels. Methods. Health–related physical capacities (balance, flexibility, arms strength, endurance) and hands co-ordination were measured before and after 8 months of GBPA (1h; 2 x week, in scholastic gym) in 324 independent women (50÷88 years old). Repeated measures T-test or Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test were used to verify pre-post results. Correlation between pre-training results and pre-post variation (ΔPP) was investigated with Pearson’s r. Three groups, for every fitness test, were defined on the basis of pre–training results: Low Level Group (LLG - subjects with results lesser than mean–.5sd; Average Level Group (ALG - subjects with results better than mean–.5ds and lesser than mean+.5sd and High Level Group (HLG - subjects with results better than mean+.5sd). One and Two way ANOVA with repeated measures were used to compare ΔPP among three groups and pre-post/groups results respectively. Results. Post training shows positive changes in all fitness capacities (2.81%÷3.61%; p<0.001). A significant low negative correlation was found from initial level and ΔPP in all fitness capacities (r=-0,14÷-0.43; P=<0.01÷<0.001). There is a statistically significant interaction between pre-post and groups in all test (P=<0.05÷<0.001). ΔPP was significantly different among the groups in all test (p=<0.05÷<0.001); LLG every improved its results (p<0.001); ALG improved in endurance, flexibility and hands co-ordination (p=<0.05÷<0.01); HLG improved in endurance and flexibility (p<0.05). Conclusions. Data seems to confirm the effectiveness of the GBPA for older but highlights that not all participants improve their performance. Physiological and teaching hypothesis (and the combination of the two) must be evaluated.
Group-based programs do not allow health improvement in fit elderly
LANZA, Massimo;SCHENA, Federico
2011-01-01
Abstract
Aim. The Group-Based Physical Activities (GBPA) for independent older adults, leaded in accord with guideline, are able to improve health-related physical capacities. Aim of this research is to verify how physical capacities are modified in subjects with different initial levels. Methods. Health–related physical capacities (balance, flexibility, arms strength, endurance) and hands co-ordination were measured before and after 8 months of GBPA (1h; 2 x week, in scholastic gym) in 324 independent women (50÷88 years old). Repeated measures T-test or Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test were used to verify pre-post results. Correlation between pre-training results and pre-post variation (ΔPP) was investigated with Pearson’s r. Three groups, for every fitness test, were defined on the basis of pre–training results: Low Level Group (LLG - subjects with results lesser than mean–.5sd; Average Level Group (ALG - subjects with results better than mean–.5ds and lesser than mean+.5sd and High Level Group (HLG - subjects with results better than mean+.5sd). One and Two way ANOVA with repeated measures were used to compare ΔPP among three groups and pre-post/groups results respectively. Results. Post training shows positive changes in all fitness capacities (2.81%÷3.61%; p<0.001). A significant low negative correlation was found from initial level and ΔPP in all fitness capacities (r=-0,14÷-0.43; P=<0.01÷<0.001). There is a statistically significant interaction between pre-post and groups in all test (P=<0.05÷<0.001). ΔPP was significantly different among the groups in all test (p=<0.05÷<0.001); LLG every improved its results (p<0.001); ALG improved in endurance, flexibility and hands co-ordination (p=<0.05÷<0.01); HLG improved in endurance and flexibility (p<0.05). Conclusions. Data seems to confirm the effectiveness of the GBPA for older but highlights that not all participants improve their performance. Physiological and teaching hypothesis (and the combination of the two) must be evaluated.
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