The effect of later-life health promotion on functional performance and body composition
Chek Hooi Wong1,3, Sweet Fun Wong2, Azizah Mohd Yusoff2, Sathya Karunananthan3 and Howard Bergman3,4
1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 2Department of Geriatric Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, Singapore, 3Solidage Research Group, McGill University/University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada, 4Division of Geriatric Medicine, Jewish General Hospital/McGill University, Montreal, Canada

Abstract

Background and Aims: Functional decline in older adults is related physiologically to both aging and lifestyle-related risk factors. The role of health promotion and lifestyle modifications in preventing functional performance decline in community-dwelling older adults has not been well established. We evaluated the effects of an education-based health promotion program on functional performance and body composition in midlife and older adults. Methods: A prospective study of a 4-week health promotion program for community-dwelling older adults. Outcome measures of gait speed, chair rise time, grip strength, weight, body mass index (BMI) and bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) for body fat were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Results: Participants (n=117) with a mean age 62.9±8 years; 63.2% were women. Gait speed improved by 0.20 ms-1 (95% CI 0.14, 0.29; p<0.001) and chair rise time decreased by 0.36 s (95% CI -0.13, -0.56; p=0.001) at 12 months. There was no change in grip strength (p=0.433). There was a modest decrease in weight 0.55 kg (95% CI -0.08, -1.01; p=0.019), BMI 0.35 kgm-2 (95% CI -0.02, -0.64; p=0.033) and fat impedance 0.75% (95% CI -0.09, -1.26; p=0.021) at 12 months. Imputation to account for missing outcomes did not alter overall conclusions. Conclusion: A 4-week education-based health promotion in later-life is feasible and may help to improve and maintain functional performance and body composition in midlife and older adults. (Aging Clin Exp Res 2008; 20: 454-460) ©2008, Editrice Kurtis

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