Improved Physical Fitness Among Older Female Participants in a Nationally Disseminated,Community-Based Exercise Program

Abstract

Background. Strength training (ST) is an important health behavior for aging women; it helps maintain strength and function and reduces risk for chronic diseases. This study assessed change in physical fitness following participation in a ST program implemented and evaluated by community leaders. Method. The StrongWomen Program is a nationally disseminated, research-based, community ST program active in 40 states. The Senior Fitness Test is used to assess upper and lower body strength, upper and lower body flexibility, aerobic fitness, and agility; data are collected prior to and following program participation. Results. For these analyses, five states provided deidentified data for 367 female participants, mean age 63 (±11) years. Attendance in approximately 10 weeks of twice-weekly classes was 69.4%. Paired t tests were used to analyze pre–post change. Significant improvements were observed (p < .01) in all Senior Fitness Test measures. Data are stratified by age-group and compared with published, age-based norms. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that it is feasible for community leaders to conduct pre–post physical fitness evaluations with participants and that participants experienced improvements across several important domains of physical fitness.

Keywords

aging and health community-based participatory research community health promotion evaluation health promotion outcome evaluation physical activity/exercise training health professionals women’s health

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