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302549
Beyond Strength: Participant and Instructor Perspectives on the Benefits of EnhanceFitness
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
: 2:50 PM - 3:05 PM
Marlana Kohn, MPH
,
Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Basia Belza, PhD, RN, FAAN
,
Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Laura Farren, BS
,
Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Grace Kline, PhD, RN
,
Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Christina Miyawaki, PhD, MSW, MA
,
School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Miruna Petrescu-Prahova, PhD
,
Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Objective. Physical activity is an important part of maintaining physical health and function among older adults. However, benefits beyond physical function are also important and often overlooked. The purpose of this study was to better describe the range of benefits associated with participation in the EnhanceFitness group exercise program. Methods. This was a qualitative study using semi-structured individual phone interviews with 20 EnhanceFitness participants and 17 program instructors. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis informed by the RE-AIM framework. Results. Participants were, on average, 70 years old, and primarily female (85%). Instructors were, on average, 55 years old, and primarily female (82%). Besides the physical benefits of strength, stamina, and flexibility, participants noted other benefits, including social benefits (social interaction, social support), self-concept benefits (self-efficacy, self-esteem) and lifestyle benefits (personal activation and engagement, overall sense of wellness). Instructors also noted that participants in their classes experienced non-physical benefits including social (social support, sense of community), emotional (increased enjoyment and decreased depressed mood), and lifestyle benefits (skills for independent living). One instructor said of her participants, “They can now wash themselves and…climb the stairs.” Conclusion and Implications. EnhanceFitness participants experience important non-physical benefits in addition to improved strength and instructors observe similar benefits among their class participants. These benefits include improvements in activities of daily living which impact the ability of older adults to live independently. Instructors can facilitate these benefits by supporting social interaction, emphasizing self-efficacy, and encouraging ongoing engagement among participants in their EnhanceFitness classes.
Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Describe non-physical benefits associated with participation in the EnhanceFitness group exercise program.
Describe ways instructors can facilitate non-physical benefits among their class participants.
Keyword(s): Aging, Evidence-Based Practice
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the primary research scientist on this work. My research is focused on aging and physical activity, and disseminating evidence-based programs in community settings. My research includes both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
