Abstract :
Background: The effect of exercise interventions on physical function in older adults is well known. However, the effect of improvements in physical function on activity and participation has not been studied in detail.
Aim: This study attempted to evaluate if group physical fitness program led to improvements on activity and participation; and correlation between changes in physical functions and activity and participation.
Design: Single group pre-post intervention design, delivered as part of an on-going community outreach program of the department.
Methods: A group physical fitness program was delivered once a week as part of an on-going community outreach program. Changes in Functional Fitness Test scores and selected components of activity and participation from the ICF geriatric core sets were used as outcome measures to evaluate the effect of intervention.
Statistical Analysis: Normally distributed data were summarised as mean and standard deviation; and non-normal data were described as median and inter-quartile range. Correlation was assessed using Spearman’s correlation. Significance was accepted at p.
Results: A total of 15 participants were screened of which 8 (Mean age ±SD: 68.6±4.7) attended atleast 4 sessions and completed pre and post assessment. There was no significant effect of the training program on activity and participation. Improvement in Functional Fitness did not correlate with changes in activity and participation.
Conclusion: The group physical fitness program did not significantly improve activity and participation despite improvements in physical function.
Keyword :
ICF, Geriatric Core Sets, ICF Qualifies, Functional Fitness Tests, Geriatrics.