The effectiveness of low-intensity physical activity for improving functional ability and psycho
logical well-being in chronically impaired older individuals was demonstrated in a pilot study.
Participants who completed 6 weeks of structured low-intensity exercise (N = 77) improved in
the time and number of steps required to walk a measured course, in self-assessments of mobility
and flexibility, and in three measures of well-being. Those who continued to exercise in a peer-led
program (n = 32) maintained improvements in mobility and optimism after 18 weeks.
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