Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) benefits older adults. The study aim was to examine the effect of ‘Vitality’: a community-based group physical activity programme for older adults and explore user experiences.

Methods: An intervention group, representing new Vitality members (n16, mean age: 69.5 ± 6.5 years), and a waiting list control group (n16, mean age: 63±6.3 years) were tested before and after an 8-week period on a range of 1) physical measures: body mass, body mass index, resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, 6-minute walk (6MWT), 30-second sit to stand, 30-second arm curl, 8-foot up and go (8UG), chair sit and reach (CSR), back scratch, and 2) psychological measures: self-efficacy for exercise, physical activity enjoyment and the quality of life. Semi-structured focus groups were undertaken to explore the facilitators and barriers of attending.

Results: There was an interaction between groups and from baseline to 8-weeks in the intervention group the following measures improved: body mass, 73.3 (±8.6) to 71.8kg (±8.5); 6MWT, 430.5 (±38.1) to 473.5m (±37); 8UG, 6.5 (±1) to 6.0s (±1.1); the CSR, -2.3 (±11.2) to 0.6cm (±10) (all p<0.05). No differences were found with the other outcomes. Key themes highlighted facilitators; unique and bespoke, retirement transition, perceived improvements, offer of support networks. Barriers were; misconceptions and assumptions, inconsistent opportunities, accessibility and availability of classes.

Conclusion: Participation in Vitality led to several physical and functional benefits for older adults. Importantly, the programme did not regress any aspects of physical or psychological health.