Open AccessFeasibility Study of Walking for Exercise in Individuals Living in Assisted Living Settings
Author(s) -
Jenna A. Johnson,
William E. McIlroy,
Éric Roy,
Αλεξάνδρα Παπαϊωάννου,
Lehana Thabane,
Lora Giangregorio
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of geriatric physical therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.185
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 2152-0895
pISSN - 1539-8412
DOI - 10.1519/jpt.0b013e318282d2d3
Subject(s) - medicine , physical therapy , aerobic exercise , gerontology , population , treadmill , activities of daily living , physical medicine and rehabilitation , environmental health
Decreased physical activity levels are an increasing concern, specifically for the aging population. Older adults (>65 years) are able to achieve health benefits from participating in a regular exercise program based on studies done in younger community-dwelling older adults. There is less research investigating the efficacy of exercise for improving physical function among the older adult population in assisted living settings. This study investigated using a treadmill with a harness system, to engage older adults in aerobic exercise. The primary objective of the study was to assess the feasibility of a large trial by evaluating the recruitment and short-term retention rate of older adults with limited mobility. Secondary objectives were to determine whether older adults could achieve the frequency, intensity, and duration of aerobic exercise recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine.