Impact of an ambulatory physical activity program on balance and motor abilities of retirees: a prospective study

Background Given the public health problem generated by posture and gait disorders, a preventive approach is essential. Objective We investigated the impact of an ambulatory physical activity program (APAP) on the motor skills of retirees. Method Retirees >= 60 years were recruited in this prospective study. The APAP was supported by a French regional health insurance plan. Between inclusion (T0) and 12 weeks (T1), subjects participated in an APAP (1 h/wk) that included strengthening muscular exercises, balance work, joint flexibility exercises, one-leg-balance test (OLB), stimulation of the foot arch and rise-from-the-floor (RFF). Timed-up-and-go test (TUG) duration, gait speed (GS), OLB duration and RFF success were compared between T1 and T0. Results Two hundred subjects (86% women) were enrolled; mean age was 73.8 years (45.5% >= 75 years). TUG durations (s) were lower at T1 than at T0 (8.98 and 9.64; P < .0001). The GS (m/s) and OLB durations (s) were higher at T1 than at T0 (1.26 vs 1.12 for GS, 16.16 vs 13.02 for OLB; P < .0001). The rate of participants who successfully completed RFF was higher at T1 (94%) than at T0 (76%) (P < .0001). After the APAP, TUG duration was reduced in 64.5% of cases, the GS improved in 73% of cases, OLB duration increased in 50% of cases and RFF became possible in 18.5% of cases (all P < .0001). Conclusion Physical activity programs are effective for improving motor performance, even in older adults. Retirees must be encouraged to do regular physical activity to prevent or slow the functional decline associated with ageing, and to improve their overall quality of life.