MONTH-LONG FITNESS CHALLENGES IMPROVE ENDURANCE AND STRENGTH FOR VETERANS PARTICIPATING IN GEROFIT
2024
Fitness Challenges Improve Strength and Endurance for Veterans
Sample size: 31
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Rekant Julie, Giffuni Jamie, Addison Odessa
Primary Institution: Baltimore VA Medical Center
Hypothesis
Can month-long fitness challenges improve physical activity and strength in older veterans?
Conclusion
Older veterans showed functional improvements in endurance and strength after participating in month-long fitness challenges.
Supporting Evidence
- Veterans in The Long March challenge increased their Six Minute Walk Test distances by 28.0±48.7 meters after four weeks.
- Veterans in the Squatober challenge decreased their Five Time Sit to Stand times by 1.3±2.3 seconds.
- Sixty-three percent of participants in the Squatober challenge completed every workout.
Takeaway
Older veterans who joined fitness challenges got stronger and could walk further in just four weeks.
Methodology
Veterans participated in two month-long fitness challenges focusing on walking and sit-to-stand exercises.
Participant Demographics
Veterans aged 65 and older, with a majority being male and Black.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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