Comparative effects of two physical activity programs on measured and perceived physical functioning and other health-related quality of life outcomes in older adults

Background. Although inactivity is an important contributor to impaired fun ctioning and disability with age, little is known concerning how improvemen ts in physical functioning and well-bring in older adults vary with the typ e of physical activity undertaken. Methods. One hundred three adults age 65 years and older, recruited via pop ulation-based methods, were randomized to 12 months of community-based, mod erate-intensity endurance and strengthening exercises (Fit & Firm) or stret ching and flexibility exercises (Stretch & Flex). A combination of class- a nd home-based exercise formats was used, Measured and self-rated physical p erformance along with perceived functioning and well-being were assessed pr e- and postintervention. Results. Fit & Firm subjects showed greater 12-month improvements in both m easured and self-rated endurance and strength compared to Stretch & Flex su bjects. Stretch & Flex subjects reported greater improvements in bodily pai n, and Stretch & Flex men evidenced greater improvements in flexibility rel ative to Fit & Finn subjects. Although overall exercise adherence was high in both exercise conditions (approximately 80%), subjects in both condition s showed better adherence to the home- versus class-based portions of their exercise prescriptions. Conclusions. Community-based programs focusing on moderate-intensity endura nce and strengthening exercises or flexibility exercises can be delivered t hrough a combination of formats that result in improvement in important fun ctional and well-being outcomes. This represents one of the first studies t o report significant improvements in an important quality of life outcome-b odily pain-with a regular regimen of stretching and flexibility exercises i n a community-based sample of older adults.