Influence of comprehensive intervention composed of nutrition and exercise on the development of exercise habits and self-perceived health among community-dwelling elderly individuals

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of comprehensive intervention on the development of exercise habits and self-perceived health among community-dwelling elderly individuals. Methods: A total of 44 elderly individuals (mean age: 71.1±5.0SD) who had provided consent to participate in the study were randomly allocated to either an intervention (n=23) or control group (n=21). The intervention group participated in a comprehensive intervention program (including nutrition classes, group exercise and enjoying meals with other community members). The following factors were measured: Age, the frequency of going out, a history of falls, the frequency of exercise, the duration of exercise, self-efficacy for exercise, the stage model of change, self-perceived health before, immediately after and one month after the intervention. Results: The attendance rate in the intervention group was over 90%. The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in the frequency of exercise (p=0.001), duration of exercise (p=0.02) and self-efficacy for exercise (p=0.012) compared with the control group following the intervention program. On follow-up, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in the frequency of exercise (p=0.027) and self-efficacy for exercise (p=0.043) compared with the control group. Conclusions: These findings suggested that a comprehensive intervention program composed of nutrition and exercise can improve the developing exercise habits and self-perceived health. Self-perceived health was improved by several factors, which appeears to have contributed to the results. These factors include sharing and exchanging ideas and having the opportunity to enjoy meals with other community members. Further activities promoting such interactions and exercise habits are therefore necessary. © 2013 The Japan Geriatrics Society.