First Step to Active Health - Online Plus: Pilot Study

Abstract

The aim of this project is to implement, and demonstrate the efficacy of, a blended delivery multi-component physical activity program. The experimental group (FSAH-O) consisted of 24 male and females (age = 68.7 ± 5.5 yrs). The control group (N = 15; 74.7 ± 6.2 yrs) was drawn from a similar project. The program consisted of flexibility, strength, and balance training, and cardio-respiratory activity. Participants met 1day/week for 8 weeks for 50 minutes of exercise at a senior center while supplementing class with home exercise 2 days/week. Participants were given access to a program web site (an interactive, secure, online method to motivate, educate, and track activity). Program effectiveness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) (chair stand, arm curl, sit and reach, up & go, scratch test, and 12-min walk); balance (movement velocity (MVL), endpoint excursion (EPE), maximum EPE (MXE), and directional control (DCL) for forward (F), right (R), left (L) and back (B) movements). No baseline difference existed between groups. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed interactions (p<.05) on most measures. SFT improvements were noted in the FSAH-O group: Chair Stand 10% , Arm Curl 22%; Up-&-Go 8%; 12-min Walk 18%. With respect to LOS, EPE and MXE improved in two directions (R 21%, R 8%; L 7%, L 7%). The control group did not change on any variable. Participating in an 8-week blended FSAH-O program improves FF, and 2 of 4 balance measures. A longer intervention may result in greater improvements.