IngentaConnect Improving Physical Function and Blood Pressure in Older Adults Th...

Abstract:

Objectives:

To determine the relative effects of cobblestone mat walking, in comparison with regular walking, on physical function and blood pressure in older adults. Design:

Randomized trial with allocation to cobblestone mat walking or conventional walking. Setting:

General community in Eugene, Oregon. Participants:

One hundred eight physically inactive community-dwelling adults aged 60 to 92 (mean age±standard deviation=77.5±5.0) free of neurological and mobility-limiting orthopedic conditions. Intervention:

Participants were randomized to a cobblestone mat walking condition (n=54) or regular walking comparison condition (n=54) and participated in 60-minute group exercise sessions three times per week for 16 consecutive weeks. Measurements:

Primary endpoint measures were balance (functional reach, static standing), physical performance (chair stands, 50-foot walk, Up and Go), and blood pressure (systolic, diastolic). Secondary endpoint measures were Short Form-12 physical and mental health scores and perceptions of health-related benefits from exercise. Results:

At the 16-week posttest, differences between the two exercise groups were found for balance measures (P=.01), chair stands (P<.001), 50-foot walk (P=.01), and blood pressure (P=.01) but not for the Up and Go test (P=.14). Although significant within-group changes were observed in both groups for the secondary outcome measures, there were no differences between intervention groups. Conclusion:

Cobblestone mat walking improved physical function and reduced blood pressure to a greater extent than conventional walking in older adults. Additional benefits of this walking program included improved health-related quality of life. This new physical activity may provide a therapeutic and health-enhancing exercise alternative for older adults.

Keywords: physical activity; balance; physical performance; blood pressure

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2005.53407.x

Affiliations: 1: Oregon Research Institute, Eugene, Oregon; and 2: Department of Exercise Science, Willamette University, Salem, Oregon.

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Improving Physical Function and Blood Pressure in Older Adults Through Cobblestone Mat Walking: A Randomized Trial