The Feasibility of Collecting Longitudinal Cardiovascular and Fitness Outcomes From a Neighborhood Park-Based Fitness Program in Ethnically Diverse Older Adults: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Abstract

This proof-of-concept study examined feasibility of assessing longitudinal changes in body mass index, strength, mobility, and cardiovascular health outcomes in older, racial/ethnic minority adults participating in a park-based physical activity program. Study feasibility was based on follow-through data collection procedures and ability to manage and implement data collection, enrollment, and repeated measures data collection in older adults (≥50 years; n = 380; 45% Hispanic, 41% non-Hispanic Black) over a 28-month period. Mixed models were developed to estimate the effects of program participation over time on participant cardiovascular and fitness outcomes and across poverty and age subgroups. Model estimates adjusted for individual-level sociodemographics showed improvements across each 4 month time point in arm strength (0.55 arm curl; 95% confidence interval [0.33, 0.77]) and systolic (−0.68 mmHg; 95% confidence interval [−1.22, −0.13]) and diastolic (−0.47 mmHg; 95% confidence interval [−0.79, −0.16]) blood pressure. An Age × Poverty interaction found greater improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure among younger participants living in low poverty (vs. older in higher poverty). Study of the longitudinal association between fitness class participation and health outcomes was feasible in park-based settings.

Exploring the benefits of nature-based interventions in socio-economically deprived communities: a narrative review of the evidence to date

“…One study reported significant improvements in arm strength, mobility and blood pressure for older adults attending park-based fitness classes. 51 In this study, differences in physical health outcomes were observed between ethnic groups and greater improvements in blood pressure outcomes were identified among younger participants living in low poverty (compared to older participants in higher poverty).…”

“…Moreover, encouraging people to engage with their local parks also demonstrated benefits. Park-based fitness classes and parkprescription interventions were found to improve the number of nature visits, [55][56][57] physical activity 43,50,57 and physical health for participants, 51 although improvements in depression outcomes were not observed. 56 There was also evidence of stress reduction for participants in supported and unsupported park prescriptions.…”