ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a six-week-long exercise program using outdoor exercise equipment on fitness, insulin resistance and adipocytokines among Korean elderly. METHODS: A total of 47 participants were randomized into one of the following three groups; control, resistance exercise or combined exercise (aerobic and resistance exercise). The resistance exercise group completed three resistance types of exercise. The combined exercise group completed five exercises, including three resistance types of exercise and two aerobic types of exercise. Participants' body composition, fitness level, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and adipocytokines were measured at baseline and at the end of six weeks. RESULTS: After six weeks of exercise training, participants in the combined exercise group exhibited significant reduction in insulin, HOMA-IR and chemerin levels, while significant reduction was observed in HOMA-IR only in the resistance exercise group compared with the control group. Meanwhile, six weeks of exercise training, whether resistance exercise alone or combined, significantly improved upper body muscular strength/endurance and physical function compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks of combined exercise using outdoor exercise equipment was effective in improving fitness, HOMA-IR, circulating chemerin levels, and other known risk factors of chronic diseases.
Subject(s)
Chemokines/blood , Exercise Therapy/instrumentation , Exercise Tolerance/physiology , Frailty/rehabilitation , Insulin Resistance/physiology , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/blood , Physical Fitness/physiology , Resistance Training/methods , Aged , Biomarkers/blood , Body Mass Index , Equipment Design , Female , Frailty/blood , Frailty/physiopathology , Humans , Male , Pilot Projects , Republic of Korea , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
In this study we explored the experience of competing in the Senior Games and the resultant contributions to the successful aging of older adults. We used in-depth interviews with older adults who participated in the National Senior Games. Analysis of the data produced five central themes: (a) perseverance, (b) career development and significant effort, (c) personal and social benefits, (d) unique ethos, and (e) identification as a senior athlete. We found that participating in the Senior Games as a form of serious leisure enhanced the well-being of older adults and could be utilized as a means by which to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
