None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Despite strong research evidence on the physical and mental health benefits associated with physical activity, the proportion of older people who take part in physical activity is quite low. New, innovative, accessible and enjoyable physical activity options are required to improve physical activity participation rates and associated health outcomes for older Australians. The proposed research is built on the research team’s successful pilot research using an outdoor purpose-built Seniors’ Exercise Park for older people in improving their strength, balance, function and social enjoyment. The overall aim of the ENJOY project is to implement and evaluate the effects of sustained engagement in physical activity on mental health and physical outcomes through the use of a community-based novel outdoor physical activity program (purpose-built exercise park) for older people in the community. The long term aim is to design and promote an innovative and sustainable outdoor exercise park and program for senior residents within the parks / grounds of participating partners (Whittlesea City Council, Wyndham City Council and Old Colonists Association of Victoria). Older people will be recruited and undergo a 12 week structured supervised exercise program, twice a week. At the completion of the structured exercise program, participants will be able to continue their physical activity using the exercise park (independent use or attending supervised exercise sessions at the park). Selected physical, health, mental and social measures as well as health services costs will be assessed at various time points for an overall 12 months trial participation.
Interventions
Participants will undergo a 12 weeks structured supervised exercise program using the outdoor senior exercise park in their community center park, for twice a week. The exercise park equipment is an outdoor playground equipment specifically designed for older people to improve strength, balance, joint movements and mobility and function. It comprises multiple equipment stations that target specific function or movement (upper and lower limb) such as shoulder range of movement, static and dynamic
Participants will undergo a 12 weeks structured supervised exercise program using the outdoor senior exercise park in their community center park, for twice a week. The exercise park equipment is an outdoor playground equipment specifically designed for older people to improve strength, balance, joint movements and mobility and function. It comprises multiple equipment stations that target specific function or movement (upper and lower limb) such as shoulder range of movement, static and dynamic balance, functional movement of walking up/down stairs, sit to stand. Participants will perform exercises that focus on strength, balance, coordination, mobility and flexibility. The exercise park sessions will be provided two times a week (each class approximately 1 to 1.5 hours duration) and will be supervised by a qualified physiotherapist or an accredited exercise physiologist. Each session will consist of 5-10 minutes warm-up exercises, followed by 45-75 minutes on the equipment stations, and will conclude with 5-10 minutes of cool down exercises. The exercise classes will include 6-8 participants and will be circuit-based. A familiarisation session will be organised for each participant prior to commencement of the exercise program. The initial level of the exercise difficulty will be determined during the familiarisation session and will be tailored to the capabilities of the participant with the primary consideration of safety. To maximise social interaction and enjoyment, morning/afternoon tea will be organised following the exercise sessions. At the completion of the structured supervised exercise program, participants will be offered two options to continue their exercise participation for another 6 months: exercise by themselves (independent use, free of charge) or attend supervised group exercise sessions (with a low cost $5-8 per session).
Sponsors
National Ageing Research Institute
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1) aged 60 years old and over living in the community 2) have had one or more falls in the previous 12 months or are concerned about having a fall 3) are generally independent around the house (able to take care of themselves) and in the community (e.g. able to walk away from home to visit local stores, friends, and other local venues) and who are able to attend the outdoor exercise park 4) using no walking aid (such as walking frames) or with no more than a single point stick used for regular outdoors walking; 5) no cognitive impairment (Abbreviated Mental Test Score >7/10).
Exclusion criteria
• Have neurological or musculoskeletal conditions impacting on mobility • A cognitive impairment as determined by the Abbreviated Mental Test Score of less than 7/10, • Are currently taking part in a structured resistance training and or balance training program more than once a week • Are physically active (do 150 minutes of physical activity / week) • Using walking frame and have limited mobility • Any documented medical condition deemed by the medical practitioner to contraindicate their inclusion
Outcome results
None listed