Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14031
Title: Retaining physical function in older adults : the crossfit® approach
Authors: Mallia, Sharon
Keywords: Older people -- Functional assessment
Activities of Daily Living
Exercise for older people
Physical fitness
Issue Date: 2016
Abstract: Older adults have the highest rates of functional disability and loss of independence. The aim of this study was to test whether CrossFit® principles can be used to improve the physical function of older adults, increase their independence in ADLs and offer them better quality of life (QoL). Moreover, the present study intended to look at the participants’ perception of CrossFit® and evaluate the feasibility of implementing such a training program. In this research study, 28 men and women aged 75+ were voluntarily recruited from two residential aged care homes to participate in a CrossFit® based exercise programme for a period of eight weeks with two sessions per week. The SFT results indicate an improvement in the participant’s functional fitness with more evident improvements in strength and aerobic endurance, and less obvious improvement in flexibility and agility. This data supports the results obtained via analysis of the focus discussions where participants claimed an improvement in tasks which require strength and aerobic endurance such as walking, managing stairs, getting in/out of bed, and raising from a chair but less in activities that require flexibility and agility such as bending down to put on socks or reaching behind one’s back. The largest improvement was characterised by a boost in self-confidence and increased independence in ADLs. This research study concluded that CrossFit® based exercise classes can improve the physical function of older adults, increase their level of independence in ADLs, and offer them better QoL, even in their eighth and ninth decade of life. Older adults perceive CrossFit® as a fun method of training and recognise that its functional nature and holistic approach can help them improve their ability to carry out everyday tasks and subsequently retain their independence.
Description: M.GER.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/14031
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacSoW - 2016
Dissertations - FacSoWGer - 2016

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