The PA intervention that encompasses both structured exercise and PA includes aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance training and is designed to be performed at the center (two times per week) and at home (Table 3 ). PA goals are individualized based on each participant's level of physical fitness. Goals are modified in response to illness, injury, or physical symptoms.
Walking is the primary mode of PA, given its widespread popularity and ease of administration across a broad segment of the older adult population (80 (link),81 (link)). Each session is preceded by a brief warm-up (walking at a slow pace) and followed by a brief cooldown period. Three times weekly, participants complete a 10-minute leg-strengthening program with ankle weights (knee extension, knee flexion, squats, side leg raises, and toe raises) after walking exercise followed by a brief lower extremity stretching routine.
Instructional materials are supplied to reinforce the strength training occurring during center-based instruction, so that it can be generalized to the home environment. Balance training is introduced during the adoption phase as a complement to the aerobic and strength training (82 (link)). Progressive exercises (levels I–V) that challenge balance by first decreasing arm support, then decreasing base of support, and finally increasing the complexity of the movements are included. In addition, the intervention involves encouraging participants to increase all forms of PA throughout the day. This may include activities such as leisure sports, gardening, use of stairs as opposed to escalators, and leisurely walks with friends.
Walking is the primary mode of PA, given its widespread popularity and ease of administration across a broad segment of the older adult population (80 (link),81 (link)). Each session is preceded by a brief warm-up (walking at a slow pace) and followed by a brief cooldown period. Three times weekly, participants complete a 10-minute leg-strengthening program with ankle weights (knee extension, knee flexion, squats, side leg raises, and toe raises) after walking exercise followed by a brief lower extremity stretching routine.
Instructional materials are supplied to reinforce the strength training occurring during center-based instruction, so that it can be generalized to the home environment. Balance training is introduced during the adoption phase as a complement to the aerobic and strength training (82 (link)). Progressive exercises (levels I–V) that challenge balance by first decreasing arm support, then decreasing base of support, and finally increasing the complexity of the movements are included. In addition, the intervention involves encouraging participants to increase all forms of PA throughout the day. This may include activities such as leisure sports, gardening, use of stairs as opposed to escalators, and leisurely walks with friends.
