Impact of Outdoor Walking Programs on Health in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Su Tai-Te, Barclay Ruth, Moineddin Rahim, Salbach Nancy
Primary Institution: University of Toronto
Hypothesis
This study aimed to investigate whether a dose-response relationship existed between attendance in an outdoor walk group program and improvement in health outcomes among older adults with mobility limitations.
Conclusion
Participants who attended more outdoor walking sessions showed significant improvements in walking endurance and gait speed.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants who attended 16-20 sessions improved walking endurance by 52.7 meters.
- Those attending 16-20 sessions improved comfortable gait speed by 0.15 meters/second.
- Participants showed a 0.17-meter/second improvement in fast gait speed with higher attendance.
Takeaway
Older adults who walk outside more often can get better at walking and moving around.
Methodology
Data from a randomized controlled trial was analyzed, focusing on community-dwelling older adults assigned to a 10-week outdoor walking program.
Limitations
No significant relationships were found for balance, lower extremity strength, walking self-confidence, and emotional well-being.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling older adults, average age 74.7 years, 72% female.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI:12.3, 93.1 for walking endurance; 95% CI:0.00, 0.29 for comfortable gait speed; 95% CI:0.02, 0.33 for fast gait speed.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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