Effect of outdoor fitness equipment in elderly

The 12-week progressive training protocol was designed based on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendation for seniors with outdoor fitness equipment (OFE). This protocol was progressive, with three sessions per week involving three types of OFE, including the air walker, arm stretcher, and leg press machine for aerobic, flexibility, and muscle strength training respectively. Each session included warm-up, the main exercise, and cool-down period. To warm up, all participants walked around the park at their preferred speed for 5 minutes and then stretched statically for 5 minutes. To cool down, all participants stretched statically for 5 minutes. All exercises were performed under the premise of ensuring seniors’ safety. The related details of training protocol were shown as below: a) The intervention group underwent a 12-week training with 3 sessions per week. The duration progressively increased from 60 to 90 minutes. b) The mode of administration: Three groups of 7 who were instructed by sports scientists and an athletic trainer. c) The target intensity: The intensity of aerobic activity was brisk walking pace (as quickly as they can). The intensity of flexibility activity was stretching until tightness or equipment limitation. The intensity of strength was their own body weight. d) The strategies used to monitor adherence to the intervention: Training protocol was carried out and supervised by sports scientists and an athletic trainer.