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01-12-2018 | Original Article

Semi-structured physical activity intervention in daily life: a good compromise between effectiveness and feasibility

Authors: Federica Gilli, Spyros Skafidas, Chiara Zoppirolli, Barbara Pellegrini, Giandomenico Nollo, William Mantovani, Emanuele Torri, Marino Migazzi, Federico Schena

Published in: Sport Sciences for Health | Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Background

As older-aged population is continuously increasing, it is essential to promote physical activity (PA) to preserve health and autonomy in daily living. Although several methods have been proposed, combining sustainability and efficacy at the same time is still a challenge.

Aims

To evaluate the effects of a semi-structured PA (SSPA) intervention including aerobic as well as strength and flexibility exercise in comparison to generic PA advice (PAAdv) in healthy older adults.

Methods

86 sedentary older adults were divided in two groups, SSPA (n = 56) and PAAdv (n = 30). Body weight (BW) and circumferences, blood pressure (BP), submaximal exercise heart rate (HR), as well as Chair Stand Test (CST), Arm Curl Test (ACT), Chair Sit-and-Reach Test (CSRT) and Back Scratch Test (BST) were performed before and after 16 weeks of intervention. SSPA group was further divided in SSPA > 500 and SSPA < 500 according to the total amount of PA performed (cut-off level of 500 MET min/week).

Results

Overall, SSPA groups improved more than the PAAdv group on WC, HC, BP, CST, ACT, CSRT and BST. SSPA > 500 improved more than SSPA < 500 and PAAdv on CST (+ 20.2, + 11.3, + 4.5% respectively), ACT (+ 21.5, + 14.9, − 1.3%, respectively), and CSRT (+ 3.7, + 0.80, + 0.75 cm, respectively), and similarly to SSPA < 500 on BST. Submaximal HR values significantly decreased for the SSPA > 500 and PAAdv groups.

Conclusions

An SSPA program represents an ecological way to enhance fitness in older adults. A greater amount of SSPA (> 500 versus < 500 MET min/week) is associated with higher cardiovascular and muscular fitness benefits.

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Title: Semi-structured physical activity intervention in daily life: a good compromise between effectiveness and feasibility
Authors: Federica Gilli
Spyros Skafidas
Chiara Zoppirolli
Barbara Pellegrini
Giandomenico Nollo
William Mantovani
Emanuele Torri
Marino Migazzi
Federico Schena
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: Sport Sciences for Health / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1824-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1825-1234
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-018-0487-5

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Semi-structured physical activity intervention in daily life: a good compromise between effectiveness and feasibility

Abstract

Background

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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