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This randomized clinical trial was aimed to assess whether pulmonary function would change in sedentary elderly people after a controlled exercise program. 45 participants over 75 yr. of age (M age 83.7 [+ or -] 3.0) were assigned randomly to a control and two aerobic exercise groups of moderate and high intensity. In 10 wk. the program sessions were 40 min. in duration 3 days per week. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec. ([FEV.sub.1.0]) were measured pre- and post-intervention. After the training, the Moderate intensity group experienced significant mean change in FVC. In the High intensity group, significant changes were observed in both FVC and [FEV.sub.1.0], but no change was noted for the Control group. The 10-wk. aerobic training of moderate or high intensity showed positive effects on pulmonary function in these elderly individuals. These exercise-induced changes may be dose related.

A major problem of physical education programs is the assessment of outcomes. Research makes it clear that physical education programs can affect motor performance positively. Outcomes regarding motor performance, metabolic performance, psychosocial factors, body structure, and cognitive/academic development are reviewed. (MT)

Substantial research has indicated the beneficial effect of physical activity on physical fitness and activities of daily living in older adults, but none have investigated the effects on performance of recreational activities. This investigation studied the effect of an exercise program on fitness and golf-clubhead speed in older men. Thirty-one golfers (mean age 65.1 ± 6.2 years) were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 19) or control (n = 12) group. The treatment group completed an 8-week strength and flexibility program. Assessments included 10-RM muscle strength; selected range-of-motion (ROM) measurements; and golf-clubhead speed (CHS). ANCOVA revealed significant differences between groups (p < .005) for all strength measurements and several ROM measurements. CHS was significantly different (p < .05) between groups after the intervention. Mean CHS improved from 85.0 to 87.1 miles/hr (136.8 to 140.2 km/hr). These results indicate that a strength and flexibility program can improve golf performance in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compares the functional fitness of American and Italian adults by means of the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) test battery for adults. Comparative flexibility and strength among men; Difference on coordination and endurance between Italian and American women; Reliability of AAHPERD.

Examines the measurements of functional ability, balance, strength, flexibility and physical activity of older adults. Performance of the research subjects through the Physical Performance Test scale; Goals of the health care system for the elderly; Ability to perform basic daily task.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a 10-week controlled aerobic exercise program on resting blood pressure (BP) and magnitude of BP change response to such training in sedentary elderly individuals. Methods: Previously sedentary participants aged 75 years and older were randomized to either a control or one of two exercise groups. Subjects in exercise groups performed aerobic exercise at moderate or high intensity, 3 days per week for 40 minutes per session. Resting BP was measured in sitting position at pre- and post-intervention. Results: The high-intensity exercise group showed a significant reduction in resting systolic BP (-7.8 mmHg) and diastolic BP (-9.6 mmHg). Significant BP decreases for the moderate-intensity exercise group were only observed on diastolic BP (-8.4 mmHg) but not systolic BP (-5.2 mmHg, P = 0.25). Conclusion: The data suggest that the lowering effect of a 10-week aerobic exercise program on resting systolic BP may be closely related to the training intensity. However, other regimens may have influence on the reduction of resting diastolic BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials quantifies the effect of aerobic exercise on VO2max (aerobic fitness) among sedentary older adults and examines the associations of such magnitude with variables of intervention. Forty-one trials including 2102 older subjects (within-group mean age of 60 years and older) were identified by searches of databases, hand searching, and cross-referencing. Outcomes were homogeneous. The pooled standardized effect size by a fixed-effect model showed a higher moderate effect (mean ± SEM) of 0.64±0.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.73; p<0.001, representing a net increase in VO2max (mean ± SEM) of 3.78±0.28 mL ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ min-1; 95% confidence interval, 3.24-4.33; or a 16.3% improvement, compared with control groups. Greater improvement in VO2max was associated with training length more than 20 weeks and training intensity of approximately 60% but less than 70% of VO2max. Endurance training improves aerobic fitness in older adults, thus providing protective benefits for cardiovascular aging and quality of later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials quantifies the effect of aerobic exercise on VO2max (aerobic fitness) among sedentary older adults and examines the associations of such magnitude with variables of intervention. Forty-one trials including 2102 older subjects (within-group mean age of 60 years and older) were identified by searches of databases, hand searching, and cross-referencing. Outcomes were homogeneous. The pooled standardized effect size by a fixed-effect model showed a higher moderate effect (mean +/- SEM) of 0.64+/-0.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.73; p<0.001, representing a net increase in VO2max (mean +/- SEM) of 3.78+/-0.28 mL.kg-1.min-1; 95% confidence interval, 3.24-4.33; or a 16.3% improvement, compared with control groups. Greater improvement in VO2max was associated with training length more than 20 weeks and training intensity of approximately 60% but less than 70% of VO2max. Endurance training improves aerobic fitness in older adults, thus providing protective benefits for cardiovascular aging and quality of later life.