Progressive Functional Improvements in Older Adults After Repeated Participation in a Community Exercise Program

Abstract

Introduction: Age-related declines in physical function increase fall risk, chronic disease, and loss of independence in older adults. While short-term exercise interventions can mitigate this decline, there is limited evidence on the impact of consecutive participation in community-based exercise programming. This study evaluated the effects of a community-based multimodal exercise program designed and led by clinical exercise physiologists (CEPs) on physical function in older adults. Methods: Action research was used to evaluate the effects of the “Active for Life” program, a CEP-led, multimodal exercise program offered across six rural communities in Nova Scotia, Canada. Each program lasts 11 wk and includes two 60-min group classes per week. Participants ( n = 431; mean age 70.6 ± 6.8 yr; 76.3% female) enrolled in the exercise program consented to having their data evaluated for one to three consecutive programs. Physical function outcomes (30-s chair stand [30SCS], 2-min step test, single-leg stance) were assessed at baseline and after each consecutive 11-wk program, with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and resistance training as secondary outcomes. Repeated-measures multivariate analyses of variance and univariate tests were used to assess changes over time. Results: Participants demonstrated significant improvements in 30SCS and 2-minute step test after one program (both P < 0.001), with improvements maintained over consecutive participation in three programs. Additional improvement in 30SCS was observed at T3 ( P = 0.008). Single-leg stance scores did not improve significantly over time. There were significant main effects for age and sex, with younger and male participants scoring higher overall, but no interactions, indicating consistent benefits across subgroups. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and resistance training also increased and were maintained over time, with no main effects for age or sex. Conclusions: The CEP-led, community-based exercise program produced meaningful and sustained improvements in physical function among older adults, supporting consecutive participation in community-based exercise programs to help older adults preserve functionality with aging.