6-MONTH RESULTS FROM THE GALM EXERCISE PROGRAM ON INDICATORS OF HEALTH AND FITNESS IN SEDENTARY OLDER ADULTS

Numerous epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory-based studies have shown that regular physical activity contributes substantially to health, fitness, functioning and quality of life of older adults. Very few community studies have been designed for sedentary older adults, a group that probably gains the most health benefit by becoming more active. In order to meet this need the Groningen Active Living Model (GALM) was developed. PURPOSE To determine the effects of the Groningen Active Living Model (GALM) exercise program on indicators of health and fitness in sedentary older adults aged 55–65. METHODS Data of 277 sedentary older adults aged 55–65 (59.1 ± 2.7 yrs) were analyzed. The subjects were divided into three study groups. The experimental group (EG, N = 93) started with the GALM exercise program immediately after the recruitment phase. The control group (CG, N = 114) started with the exercise program after being placed on a waiting list for 6 months. An additional control group (ECG, N = 70) that only took part in the measurements. The exercise program was of moderate intensity and contained a diversity of leisure-time physical activities with an emphasis on recreational sports activities. The program contained 15 sessions of 60 minutes, held once a week. Data was obtained at baseline and after 6-months by means of questionnaires and field based fitness tests. RESULTS Preliminary results after 6-months show a tendency towards improvements in some indicators of health and fitness. The improvement in aerobic endurance in women was significant (F = 2.50, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the cardiovascular health of sedentary older women benefits from the GALM exercise program. Further research is being conducted looking at the longitudinal effects of the program on health and fitness. Supported by Zorg Onderzoek Nederland grant 2200.0074.