A community intervention programme : the effects of low intensity exercise on the health related quality of life (HR-QOL) in older adults

Abstract

Background: Physical exercise and health related quality of life (HR-QOL) are important factors for optimal health in the elderly. Studying the association between the two aspects is becoming of more relevance in recent years as the number of older adults has increased, particularly in Malta. Objective: This study evaluates the link between low intensity physical exercise and HR-QOL among community dwelling older adults. Method: The study included 30 older adults recruited from the community who took part in 4-week low intensity exercise classes. The sessions were carried out twice a week for a total of 8 weeks. Data was collected at baseline as an initial assessment, at the 4th week interval and at an interval following 6 weeks for the following measures: 36-item Short Form questionnaire (SF-36), World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) and semi-structured interview questions. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) was used to generate the questionnaire results. Results: The findings showed that values in all dimensions of the HR-QOL improved following the 4-week programme with the SF-36 exhibiting significant improvements in Physical Functioning, Vitality and Mental Health domains (p < 0.05) and the WHOQOL-BREF showing a significant change in the Environmental domain (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were recorded between most of the domains (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A low intensity exercise programme positively influences various outcomes associated with HR-QOL in community dwelling older adults.