Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life and Functional Fitness With Exercise Training in Older Adults Who Attend Senior Centers

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of exercise training on functional fitness, assessed by Senior Fitness Tests, and health-related quality of life (HRQL), assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36), in previously inactive senior center adults (n = 10 males and n = 28 females). Exercise training resulted in significant improvements for chair stand, arm curl, two-minute step, and sit-and-reach tests (all p < 0.001). Role physical (p < 0.001), bodily pain (p = 0.001), and vitality (p = 0.002) MOS SF-36 domains also improved. The results suggest that participation in exercise by senior center members can provide important additional benefits.

Keywords:

• physical function
• MOS SF-36
• Senior Fitness Tests
• exercise
• older adults

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Arnold Eppel, director of the BCDA; Sandy Feldman, assistant director of the BCDA; Marion Oser; all BCDA Senior Center directors; Jennifer Lyons; Kelly Gribbin; Calice Warlock; Kimberly Hall; Rebecca Newhouse; Andrea Samples; Drew Giordano; Tiffany Bryant; and Nancy Poznak for their assistance with this study. This study was funded by a grant from the Towson University Faculty Development and Research Committee.