Outdoor recreational exercise programs and functional capacity: a study of sedentary seniors

This study evaluated the effects of a 12-week outdoor recreational exercise program on functional capacity of 45 sedentary seniors, ranging in age from 60 to 75 years. The variables, measured using a Likert scale, were twenty of the most habitual daily movement activities among elderly. Subjects were allocated to one exercise group (n= 30) and one control group (n=15). Exercises were performed for one hour twice a week for the experimental group, whereas the control group did not participate in any kind of exercises. Subjects were pre and post-tested for the selected variables. Significant differences (p<. 05) were found between exercise and non- exercise groups. The main effects of the training program were significant for most of the variables examined, indicating that subjects who participated in the exercise program had a significant higher level of physical abilities than the control group. Findings are discussed in terms of design and measurement improvements and the need to focus research efforts on multiple components of wellbeing in relation to fitness level in the elderly.