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Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Outdoor Fitness Equipment Intervention in Achieving Fitness Goals for Seniors

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  • Hsueh-Wen Chow

    (Graduate Institute of Physical Education, Health & Leisure Studies, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan)

  • Kun-Tang Chang

    (Graduate Institute of Physical Education, Health & Leisure Studies, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan)

  • I-Yao Fang

    (Center of Physical Education, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan 71005, Taiwan)

Abstract

Despite the popularity of outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) in public spaces with the aim of increasing physical activity (PA), very little research has been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the equipment’s use, especially for achieving the target fitness goal. This study designed an OFE training protocol incorporating four modalities of PA: endurance (air walker and ski machine), resistance (rowing machine and bonny rider), flexibility (arm stretch and shoulder wheel), and balance exercise (waist twister). Seniors who completed the protocol demonstrated that for endurance training, participants were at moderate intensity from heart rate and perceived exertion, while significantly improving cardiac endurance in the two min step test. For resistance/flexibility/balance interventions, only the handgrip strength test, the 30 s chair stand test, the right-hand shoulder flexion test, the right-hand shoulder horizontal abduction test, the single-leg stance test, and the eyes open foam surface clinical test for sensory balance were significant, using a repeated measure analysis of variance. The results demonstrated that older adults aim for the OFE target for specific fitness goals can reach moderate intensity and improve their cardiorespiratory endurance. Yet, results for resistance/flexibility/balance are inconclusive. More studies are needed to carefully assess the effectiveness of using OFE.

Suggested Citation

  • Hsueh-Wen Chow & Kun-Tang Chang & I-Yao Fang, 2021. "Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Outdoor Fitness Equipment Intervention in Achieving Fitness Goals for Seniors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12508-:d:689690
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mojgan Sami & Megan Smith & Oladele A. Ogunseitan, 2020. "Placement of Outdoor Exercise Equipment and Physical Activity: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Two Parks in Southern California," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-11, April.
    2. Hsueh-wen Chow & Dai-Rong Wu, 2019. "Outdoor Fitness Equipment Usage Behaviors in Natural Settings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-18, January.
    3. Berke, E.M. & Koepsell, T.D. & Moudon, A.V. & Hoskins, R.E. & Larson, E.B., 2007. "Association of the built environment with physical activity and obesity in older persons," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(3), pages 486-492.
    4. Hsueh-wen Chow & Andrew J. Mowen & Guan-lin Wu, 2017. "Who Is Using Outdoor Fitness Equipment and How? The Case of Xihu Park," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-12, April.
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