Best practices for physical activity programs and behavior counseling in older adult populations

Abstract

Physical activity offers one of the greatest opportunities for people to extend years of active independent life and reduce functional limitations. The purpose of this paper is to identify key practices for promoting physical activity in older adults, with a focus on older adults with chronic disease or low fitness and those with low levels of physical activity. Key practices identified in promotion activity in older adults include: (1) a multidimensional activity program that includes endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility training is optimal for health and functional benefits; (2) principles of behavior change, including social support, self-efficacy, active choices, health contracts, assurances of safety, and positive reinforcement, enhance adherence; (3) management of risk by beginning at low intensity but gradually increasing to moderate physical activity which has a better risk/benefit ratio should be the goal for older adults; (4) an emergency procedure plan is prudent for community-based programs; and (5) monitoring aerobic intensity is important for progression and for motivation. Selected content reviews of physical activity programming from major organizations and institutions are provided. Regular participation in physical activity is one of the most effective ways for older adults, including those with disabilities, to help prevent chronic disease, promote independence, and increase quality of life in old age.

Introduction

A substantial body of scientific evidence that indicates regular physical activity can bring dramatic health benefits to people of all ages and abilities, and these benefits extend over the entire life. Physical activity offers one of the greatest opportunities to extend years of active independent life, reduce disability, and improve the quality of life for midlife and older persons [6, 28, 30]. Table 1 summarizes some of the many benefits associated with regular participation in physical activity.

Table 1 Health benefits of regular physical activity

Unfortunately, simply disseminating information about the health benefits of moderate physical activity does not appear to be sufficient in terms of increasing participation among older adults [13]. To effect long-term changes in behavior, it is necessary to identify, examine, and begin to address the barriers to physical activity that prevent older adults from making the transition from sedentary to physically active [12]. On May 1, 2001, a coalition of national organizations released a major planning document designed to develop a national strategy for the promotion of physically active lifestyles among the midlife and older adult population. The National Blueprint: increasing physical activity among adults age 50 and older was developed with input from multiple organizations with expertise in medicine, social and behavioral sciences, epidemiology, public health, public policy, and environmental issues [24].

The major goals of this blueprint were to identify the primary barriers to participation in physical activity by people in their midlife and older adults, and to recommend specific strategies for overcoming them.

The National Blueprint identifies barriers to physical activity in the areas of research, home and community programs, medical systems, public policy and advocacy, and marketing and communications. It also proposes a number of concrete strategies for overcoming these barriers in society at large.

In response to one of the top priority strategies identified in the National Blueprint—to disseminate clearly articulated information to practitioners and lay leaders on best practices and guidelines for physical activity programs in the older adult population—a coalition of national organizations led by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) developed an overview of best practices, guidelines, and recommendations regarding physical activity for older adults. This overview is presented in this study in three sections: (1) key components of a physical activity program, (2) strategies for addressing behavior change, and (3) injury and risk management in general programming and for specific chronic conditions and/or disabilities.

Section 1: key components of physical activity programs for older adults

For general health and well-being, a well-rounded physical activity program should include endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility (Table 2). Most sedentary individuals will prefer and should be encouraged to begin with low-intensity physical activity. These activities should be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and interests to ensure maximal enjoyment and optimize adherence to the physical activity regimen. Long-term adherence can be enhanced by making physical activity a part of one’s lifestyle [17]. For those wanting to become more active, a group-based physical activity is an excellent way to start a physical activity program [18]. It provides several advantages, including enhanced adherence through social interaction with others and mutual commitment to physical activity among friends, opportunities for instruction in proper technique, and qualified supervision.

Table 2 Components of fitness programs and physical activity

Endurance activities

Endurance-related physical activity refers to continuous movement that involves large muscle groups and is sustained for a minimum of 10 min [30]. Examples of endurance activity include biking, swimming, walking, and lifestyle activities that incorporate large muscle groups. Some examples of lifestyle activities that build endurance when performed for at least 10 min without rest intervals are household chores such as washing windows, vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping, and gardening activities such as lawn mowing, raking, or pruning. Endurance activities provide the greatest protection against the deleterious effects of chronic diseases associated with aging. While some benefits listed in Table 1 accrue from low-intensity activities [30], progression from low to moderate intensity is important for optimizing the benefits of physical activity.

As new participants become more accustomed to the physical activity, and possibly improve their health, the workload will usually have to be increased to keep the activity at a moderate intensity level. The Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion scale [9] provides an inexpensive and convenient method of measuring physical activity intensity (Table 3). A guide for administering the scale is detailed in the ACSM exercise guidelines book [2]. The talk test is another tool used to evaluate the intensity of aerobic activity and is particularly effective in detecting workloads that rise above moderate intensity. The talk test refers to the ability to engage in conversation while walking or cycling, which is an indication that there is adequate oxygen supply to meet the demands of the respiratory system and the muscle. If the physical activity intensity rises above moderate, talking will become difficult and provide an immediate reminder to reduce the intensity [5]. Evaluating intensity as a percentage of a measure of estimated maximal heart rate (220-age) is the optimal method of tracking exercise intensity. This method is detailed in the ACSM fitness book [3] and several other resources listed in Table 4.

Table 3 Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale

Table 4 Selected content of physical activity programs for older adults from major organizations and institutions

Strength activities

Strength-related activity refers to increasing muscle strength by moving or lifting some type of resistance, such as weights or elastic bands, at a level that requires some physical effort. Strength development is safe for older adults, and injuries are rarely reported. Instruction in proper lifting technique assists in minimizing injury. Exercise: a guide from the National Institute on Aging provides written and pictorial examples of good form and instruction on proper breathing and lifting techniques [20]. The amount of resistance and number of repetitions will vary for each individual and muscle group. In general, one to three sets of 10 to 12 repetitions are regarded as the optimal amount for increasing muscle strength [4]. As strength increases, the amount of resistance should also increase. Experts do not recommend that strength training be performed on consecutive days to give the muscles time to recover between sessions. While both upper- and lower-body muscles should be included in a strengthening regimen, muscles of the lower body (ankles, hips, leg extensors, and flexors) are particularly important for mobility and independence [26].

Flexibility activities

Flexibility-related activity facilitates greater range of motion around the joint. Flexibility activities increase the length of the muscle beyond that which is customarily used in normal activity. These exercises should be performed a minimum of 2 days a week. In addition to a formal physical activity program, flexibility activities can be conveniently incorporated into the office routine while sitting at a computer or in an airplane. They may be done as a session alone or by inclusion in the cool-down portion of a strength or endurance program [4]. Stretching should include appropriate static and dynamic techniques. In dynamic stretching, the muscle is moved through the full range of motion of a joint, for example, arm circles. A static stretch is when the muscle is lengthened across the joint and held for a period of 10 to 30 s [2].

Balance activities

Balance is the ability to maintain control of the body over the base of support so as to avoid falling. While improvements in muscular strength and endurance can lead to improvements in balance, specific balance activities can have additional benefits [11]. There are two types of balance: static balance and dynamic balance. Static balance, as the name indicates, is the ability to maintain balance without moving, while dynamic balance is the ability to move without losing balance or falling. Static balance can be improved by challenging the ability to maintain standing balance through decreasing the base of support. Exercises for static balance can progress from feet apart to feet together and then progress to a single-leg stance without holding on. At first, the person may need to rely on a solid object such as a kitchen counter for support; over time, the reliance on the support will gradually decrease. To challenge balance even further, the above progression can be repeated with eyes closed. The ability to balance with eyes closed is important in daily activities (e.g., standing in a shower while shampooing hair). Dynamic balance can be improved by decreasing the base of support while walking. For example, a way to challenge dynamic balance is to progress from the normal walking pattern to walking on a straight line and then walking heel-to-toe.

Some available resources

Although providing detailed exercise techniques and protocols is beyond the scope of this report, many books are available, several of which focus specifically on issues relating to older adults. The National Institute on Aging provides an exercise guide without charge to those contacting the NIA Public Information Office at 1-800-222-2225 or at the website http://nihseniorhealth.gov/exercise/toc.html. Information provided in Table 4 lists available resources to help plan a physical activity regimen that includes lifestyle activities, age-appropriate exercise, and techniques for leading group exercise.

Section 2: behavioral factors associated with initiating and maintaining physical activity

Most adults know that regular physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle [1]. However, simply knowing about the importance of physical activity is seldom sufficient to motivate a sedentary individual to initiate and maintain physical activity on a regular basis. A growing body of knowledge suggests that effective physical activity interventions include several well-established principles of behavioral change. Incorporating a comprehensive behavioral management strategy in physical activity interventions can help maximize recruitment, increase motivation for exercise progression, and minimize attrition. The following section provides a brief summary of some of the major factors that increase the likelihood a person will sustain a new physical activity behavior.

Social support

Social support from family and friends has been associated with long-term exercise adherence in older adults [22]. Examples of social support strategies include peer support (e.g., tell a friend and bring a friend, exercise buddy system) and professional health educator support (telephone counseling, mail follow-up).

Self-efficacy

For many seniors, aging is associated with a loss of perceived control [19]. There is growing evidence that people are more likely to initiate and maintain physical activity if they feel confident about their ability to succeed and if they are afforded a variety of opportunities to actively participate in physical activity. Health contracts and having choices (both discussed below) enhance self-efficacy.

Active choices

As part of a comprehensive behavioral strategy, tailoring the exercise program to the needs and interest of participants has successfully motivated older adults to initiate and maintain a routine of regular physical activity [29]. Therefore, physical activity leaders should work closely with individuals to design a physical activity regimen that reflects the person’s preferences and capabilities. There is growing evidence that providing choices concerning exercise program characteristics (such as group-based vs individual activity programs and choice of exercise location) contributes to greater adherence.

Health contracts

A health contract is a written agreement negotiated between the participant and a health professional to accomplish a health goal [15]. The contract usually includes realistic goal setting and a measurable plan or course of action for reaching the health goals. The use of a health calendar to record physical activity provides a means for the participant to monitor the targeted physical activity and to reinforce a commitment to the exercise routine.

Perceived safety

Concerns for safety have been identified as a barrier to exercise by many older adults [18]. Physical activity programs can help alleviate inappropriate concerns about safety by educating participants about actual risks of physical activity, and by helping individuals understand how to self-monitor their exercise intensity levels.

Regular performance feedback

Providing regular and accurate performance feedback can assist older adults in developing realistic expectation of their own progress [21]. Performance feedback should be positive and meaningful to the individual. Observation of meaningful positive changes in performance and success in achieving expected outcomes are associated with exercise adherence in older adults.

Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is any procedure introduced in an intervention that increases the likelihood of maintenance of the activity. Examples of effective reinforcement strategies in physical activity settings include recruitment incentives, rewards for reaching targeted goal, and public recognition for attendance and adherence.

In summary, one or more of these behavioral strategies should be used to facilitate the adoption of physical activity as a lifetime habit.

Section 3: principles of injury and risk management in the general population

While there are some risks associated with participation in regular physical activity, the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle far exceed them [8]. Physical activity risks are related to level of intensity, with lower-intensity physical activity being associated with the lowest risk. Low-intensity physical activity reduces the risks of injury and muscle soreness and may be perceived as less threatening than moderate-to-high intensity routines. While lower risk is associated with low intensity, the consensus is that moderate physical activity has a better risk/benefit ratio, and moderate-intensity physical activity should be the goal for older adults. Although having an ongoing dialogue with a health care provider is recommended, the involvement of a primary care provider before beginning a program of physical activity depends on a person’s health condition(s) and the level of intensity and mode of physical activity. Sedentary older adults typically engage in short sessions (<10 min) of various types of low-intensity physical activity. There are rarely medical concerns about performing low-intensity activities because virtually everyone engages in them and therefore low-intensity physical activity can be safely performed regardless of whether an older adult has recently had a medical evaluation.

There is no evidence-based strategy to screen for risk before older adults begin or increase their physical activity, so practice depends on the opinion of experts [10, 23, 25]. While some experts and organizations recommend having physical examination and exercise test before beginning or increasing physical activity, exercise tests have a substantial level of false positives for heart disease that may lead to further testing and in turn increase the risk for older adults [14]. Simply having a screening requirement may impose a barrier that reduces the number of people who will begin a program. Because all physical activity is associated with a slight increase in acute injury risk, this small increase must be weighed against the more substantial benefits associated with long-term physical activity. Injury- and risk-management strategies should be proportionate to the risks involved, and care should be taken not to discourage participation by establishing overly stringent risk- and injury-prevention programs. For healthy, asymptomatic adults of any age, the US Preventive Services Task Force [31] does not recommend any type of cardiac screening (ECG, exercise test) before the initiation of physical activity. Although ongoing dialogue between a patient and his/her health professional is always desirable, pre-exercise screening by a physician should not be a prerequisite for participation in low-intensity physical activity. For sedentary older people who are asymptomatic, low-intensity physical activity can be safely initiated regardless of whether an older person has had a recent medical evaluation.

Before starting or increasing their level of physical activity, older adults should, however, have a strategy for risk management and prevention of activity-related injuries. Several standard approaches may be used. The most important strategy is to start with low-intensity physical activity and increase the intensity gradually. Whenever possible, physical activity bouts should include a warm-up and cool-down component. Increasing muscular strength around weight-bearing joints, particularly the knee, also reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injury. Other strategies include active stretching during the warm-up and cool-down portions of aerobic exercise programs, participating in a variety of activities, and avoiding high-intensity vigorous exercise. Vigorous activities, including running and jogging and vigorous participation in sports, should be recommended only to older adults who have progressed to and are accustomed to these activities, or who have sufficient fitness, experience, and knowledge required to perform vigorous activities.

Musculoskeletal “overuse” injuries, which can occur at all ages, are the most common and should be the major focus of risk management. Preventing fall-related injuries, which occur primarily in older adults, is also an important focus for the prevention of injury. Sudden death during exercise is extremely rare, and regular (as opposed to sporadic) physical activity reduces this risk. To minimize the likelihood of injury, changes in physical activity levels should be gradual, not rapid. Programs that allow for a variety of different activity choices are most likely to reduce the risk of injuries. Overuse injuries are specific to the activity being performed, that is, someone won’t develop tennis elbow from running. So if a person spends 150 min (30 min, 5 days/week) in two different activities, the risk of overuse injuries is theoretically reduced compared to concentrating the entire 150 min to the same activity.

Every community setting that offers opportunities for physical activity should be prepared to handle an emergency should it arise. Whenever possible, physical activity leaders and other staff should be trained in CPR and first aid. Table 5 lists suggested strategies for emergency preparedness. Written emergency procedures should be developed and posted in a readily accessible location. Although emergency procedures will vary from location to location, most plans will include the following elements: (1) clear instructions on how to access emergency medical services, including directions to the nearest telephone and how to give the exact address and location to the emergency responders, and (2) a well-stocked first aid kit that is readily accessible.

Table 5 Emergency procedures and precautions

Risk management for adults with chronic conditions and disabilities

Participating in physical activity is an excellent way for older adults with disabilities to maintain their physical function and improve their overall health. All older adults with disabilities should be encouraged to develop a physical activity plan. Based on discussions with their health care provider or exercise professional(s), older adults with chronic conditions or disability should understand the amount and types of activity that are appropriate for them. Preferably, the physical activity recommendation or “prescription” should be documented in the medical record and provided to the patient in writing. The recommendation should be developed proactively at the time of diagnosis of the chronic condition or when a change in clinical condition occurs. Also, the patient should understand that the physician should be consulted if certain problems or questions arise. Regular provider–patient communication about changes in physical activity level is prudent. Physical activity is therapeutic for many chronic conditions, so increasing physical activity levels can be comparable to increasing the dosage of a medication [16]. Unstable medical problems, such as elevated blood pressure or rapid atrial fibrillation, are generally temporary contraindications to exercise. These problems should be diagnosed and treated whether a person seeks to start an exercise program. Once problems are stabilized, the person can begin or resume exercise.

Because of the wide variety of disabling conditions, describing specific components of an exercise prescription for each condition can be complex. An excellent resource for information about physical activity and disability or chronic health conditions is the National Center for Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD at http://www.ncpad.org or 1-800-900-8086). Both older adults and health care professionals should consider seeking expert advice when addressing issues related to physical activity in older adults with disabilities.

Summary

A substantial body of scientific evidence indicates that regular physical activity can bring dramatic health benefits to people of all ages and abilities, and that this benefit extends over the entire life course. Physical activity offers one of the greatest opportunities for people to extend years of active independent life and reduce functional limitations. Regular participation in physical activity is one of the most effective ways for older adults, including those with disabilities, to help prevent chronic disease, promote independence, and increase quality of life in old age.

According to a coalition of national organizations led by the ACSM, a multidimensional activity program that includes endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility training is generally considered to be optimal for older adults. Activities should be tailored to the individual to ensure maximal enjoyment with the goal of optimizing adherence. Although most sedentary individuals should be encouraged to begin with low-intensity physical activity, moderate physical activity yields a better risk/benefit ratio and should be the goal for older adults. Finally, there is a growing body of knowledge to suggest that effective physical activity interventions should combine several well-established principles of behavior change, including: social support, self-efficacy, active choices, health contracts, assurances of safety, and positive reinforcement.

The small increase in acute risk for injury must be weighed against the much more substantial benefits associated with long-term physical activity. Sustaining a physically active lifestyle is an excellent way for older adults with chronic conditions or disabilities to maintain their physical function and improve their overall health. All older adults with chronic conditions or disabilities should be encouraged to work with their health care provider to develop an individualized physical activity plan.