50 Exercise groups implemented by municipalities promote older adults’ physical functioning

The implementation and outcomes of physical activity promotion programmes are less studied. This study examines whether physical exercise groups implemented by municipalities are feasible and promote physical functioning among community-dwelling older adults in real-life settings.

Five municipalities participating in the Strength in Old Age Programme organised guided exercise groups for older adults in Finland. Voluntary participants (mean age 79.6 years (SD 4.2), 74% women) were recruited into strength-balance groups (n = 117) and other exercise groups (n = 34). The strength-balance groups had gym and balance training twice a week. The other groups had chair and balance exercise or senior dance once a week plus home exercise once a week. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was conducted before and after an 8–12-week exercise period by local exercise instructors. Statistical analyses included changes in SPPB scores and chair stand time within and between exercise groups (t-test) and in subgroup comparisons (baseline SPPB scores <10 points vs. ≥10 points, ANOVA, Dunnett T3).

All exercise groups were implemented as planned, including the SPPB tests by local exercise instructors. Average attendance rate to guided exercise sessions was 91%. Both exercise groups showed significant improvement in the SPPB scores (strength-balance groups: from 9.8 to 11.0 points, p < 0.001; other groups: from 10.4 to 11.2 points, p < 0.001) and chair stand time (strength-balance groups: from 13.7 to 10.9 seconds (s), p < 0.001; other groups: from 12.3 to 10.9 s, p < 0.001). The strength-balance groups had a greater reduction in the chair stand time compared to the other groups (mean change -2.8 s vs. -1.5 s, p < 0.041). The subgroup analyses showed that participants with lower SPPB baseline scores had a greater improvement in the SPPB scores (F(3,147)=34.61, p < 0.001) and chair stand time (F(3,147)=18.30, p < 0.001) compared to the participants with better baseline functioning.

Municipalities can implement physical exercise groups and mobility tests successfully and promote older adults’ physical functioning in real-life settings. Baseline testing is recommended to identify the target groups that might benefit from training the most.

Juho Vainio Foundation, Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation