2015 Volume 13 Pages 61-67
Objective: To determine changes in functional fitness of older adults following 10 years of peer-instructed community-based exercise program participation. Subjects: Eighteen participants (65.6±8.3 yr) were assessed at pre-intervention (T1), post-12 weeks (T2), and post-10 years (T3). Method: General physical parameters, functional strength (Arm Curl [AC], Chair Stand [CS]), flexibility (Back Scratch [BS], Sit & Reach [SR]), balance (functional reach [FR]), agility (Up & Go [UG]), and endurance (12-min walk [12-MW]) were measured. After completion of an initial 12-wk of professionally-supervised community-based exercises (aerobic, resistance, flexibility and balance), the participants continued the exercises under the guidance of similarly-aged peer-instructors for the next 10 years which consisted of 10 min of warm-up, 30 min of elastic band-based resistance exercise, 10 min of balance exercise and 10 min of cool-down exercises (excluding any formal aerobic exercises), twice a week at a local community center. Results: Changes in AC (−3.0%), CS (−5.8%), SR (+7.1%), BS (−49.3%) and UG (−36.2%) over 10 years were not significant (P>0.05). However, a significant (P<0.05) decline was noted in 12-MW (−18.8%) and FR (−22.7%) over 10 years. Conclusion: Peer-instructed community-based exercises are useful in attenuating the age-associated decline in muscular strength, flexibility, and agility over an extended period of time.
