Group- vs home-based exercise training in healthy older men and women. A community-based clinical trial

Abstract

--We conclude that (1) this community-based exercise training program improved fitness but not heart disease risk factors among sedentary, healthy older adults; (2) home-based exercise was as effective as group exercise in producing these changes; (3) lower-intensity exercise training was as effective as higher-intensity exercise training in the home setting; and (4) the exercise programs were relatively safe.

Do changes in physical activity lead to dietary changes in middle and old age?

“…Significant increases in treadmill parameters were found for participants in the three treatment groups, but not in the control group. 26 Average exercise adherence, which equals the percentage of prescribed exercise sessions completed, is reported for participants in the exercise treatment groups only.…”

“…The SSHIP-I study recruited 357 individuals for a trial examining the effectiveness of group-vs. home-based exercise training of varying intensities among healthy, sedentary adults aged 50 -65 years. 26 The SSHIP-II study recruited 103 adults for a trial examining the effectiveness of different types of physical activity in older adults. 27,28 Residents of Sunnyvale, California, were contacted through random-digit-dial telephone surveys and through citywide promotion.…”

“…Exercise logs and treadmill data confirmed that control participants remained sedentary over the intervention period. 26 SSHIP-II intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the following exercise training conditions: moderate-intensity endurance and strengthening exercises ("Fit and Flex").…”

“…26,28 Adherence to prescribed exercise sessions over the 1-year study period was measured with physical activity logs (self-reported exercise type, frequency, duration, heart rate, and perceived exertion) and class attendance logs (recorded by group leaders). Heart rate and body movement monitors validated self-report logs.…”

“…Heart rate and body movement monitors validated self-report logs. 26,28 SSHIP-II participants also completed the Community Health Activities Model Program (CHAMPS) for seniors physical activity questionnaire, a paper-and-pencil measure that provides a valid and reliable estimate of energy expended (kcal/kg/day) during physical activities for older adults. 32,33 Results…”