Exercise Park Equipment for Improving Physical Function and Physical Activity Levels in the Elderly

Sustained Effect of a 12 Week Guided Exercise Program Conducted in an Exercise Park Equipment in the Physical Function and Physical Activity Levels of Physically Inactive Elderly: Randomized Clinical Trial

Exercise park equipments for the elderly are designed taking into account the physical and cognitive capabilities and needs of elderly individuals. These equipments are usually built in public spaces, and may be part of public health initiatives to promote active lifestyles in the elderly.

Previous research has provided clear evidence on the short-term efficacy of exercise programs in improving physical function and level of physical activity in community-dwelling elderly. The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to assess whether an exercise intervention conducted in an exercise park equipment is able to achieve sustained improvements in physical function and level of physical activity, that are maintained for at least 3 months after the end of the intervention. The target population are community-dwelling elderly that are insufficiently active.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals aged 70 years or more
• Insufficiently active, defined as a person who does not meet the physical activity recommendations of World Health Organization (30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity (including active leisure and travel), 5 days a week; or 30 minutes per day of vigorous physical activity, 3 days a week).

Exclusion Criteria:

• The individual refers not being able to walk 400 meters in 15 minutes or less without having to sit, lean, use a walker or require the assistance of another person.
• Moderate or severe cognitive impairment (MiniMental <19).
• Serious disease that limits physical activity (heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, joint replacements in the last 12 months, severe limitations of range of motion).
• Serious mental illness that prevents participation.
• Prescription of neuroleptic medication.