Characteristics of local ymcas who are early adopters of a senior exercise program

Objective: EnhanceFitness ® (EF) is an evidence-based and community-delivered group exercise program that helps older adults maintain health and physical function. A novel partnership between Senior Services (Seattle, Washington) and YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for Ys in the U.S., could yield promise in improving population health. The purpose of this study was to determine participant and site characteristics at Y sites that offered EF from 2005-2011 to inform EF dissemination. Method: We analyzed data from Y sites who either currently offer, or had previously offered EF. Analyses included descriptive statistics of participant baseline demographics and physical function tests. Parametric and non-parametric tests were performed. Census data was collected to assess demographic characteristics of the communities. Results: Since 2005, 101 Y sites have offered EF to 2,322 participants in 16 states, including 65 active Y sites (n=1824 participants) and 36 formerly active Y sites (n=498 participants). Participants were, on average, 72 years old. When compared to age and gender norms, 74%, 52% and 32% of participants met or exceeded standards for Arm Curl, Chair Stand, and 8-Foot Up-and-Go, respectively. Active sites were located in areas with lower percent white population, higher percent foreign-born, and slightly higher poverty. Conclusion: Nationally-networked community organizations provide an ideal partner for Senior Services to improve wide dissemination of EF into underserved communities. Understanding characteristics of EF participants and Y sites will inform the national dissemination of EF through the Y network.