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Fit elderly persons exercising regularly – how are their physical function? (completed)

The population is growing older, and to be independent is very important. Reduced mobility is a risk of reduced independence. While there is a lot of knowledge about mobility in frail elderly, we know less about mobility those who are healthy and physically active. More knowledge in this area may also expand our understanding of aging.

Elderly woman lifting weights at fitness center

What characterise healthy older persons who are exercising regularly at a fitness center? Photo: colourbox

About the project

This study is cross-sectional. Data will be collected electronically through FYSIOPRIM using the Infopad system. Participants will be recruited from and tested at outpatient physiotherapy clinics with training facilities (fitness center) and among the FYSIOPROM clinics. The participants will answer questionnaires and undergo physical tests (General mobility, balance, gait speed, strength).

Objectives

This study will have an exploratory approach where the main purpose is to gain knowledge about healthy older persons who are exercising regularly at a fitness center (fit elderly). We will focus on the relationship between mobility and balance abilities, and Health related Quality of Life (HRQL), demographics, self-reported disability and response on physical performance tests.

Secondly, we will compare the findings from this group of fit elderly with relevant participants (patient groups) in the FYSIOPRIM program and also with the reference material collected by Anne Therese Tveter (Tveter et al 2014).  

Furthermore, methodological studies of the outcome instruments will be included (such as exploring ceiling and floor effects).

Background

The number of elderly over 65 years in the population is increasing, and the risk of both disease and disability increase with age. Still, the majority of elderly between 65-75 years and two-thirds of 80-year-olds consider themselves to be in good health according to the Living Conditions Study from Statistics Norway. Impaired mobility is one of the most important cause for loss of independence among the elderly.

Financing

  • Norwegian Fund for Postgraduate Training in Physiotherapy, through FYSIOPRIM

Cooperation

  • Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health

Start - finish

Data collection started in June 2016. The project will finish in 2020.

Published July 25, 2016 1:11 PM - Last modified Dec. 23, 2021 12:29 PM

Contact

Participants

  • Hilde Stendal Robinson Universitetet i Oslo
  • Gro Gujord Tangen Universitetet i Oslo
  • Physiotherapists and training centers
Detailed list of participants