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

1. ACSM fitness book: third edition [3]

Walking and large muscle groups

13 exercises, free weights and body weight

21 exercises

Limited coverage

Lifestyle safety programming evaluation

Limited coverage

Exercise participant (middle and young–old ages)

2. ACSM resource manual: fourth edition [4]

Types of fitness, goal setting, developing exercise sessions, progression, and maintenance

Precautions, patients with cardiovascular disease recommendations

Techniques for static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation; 23 exercises illustrated

Limited specific coverage

Injuries: risks, prevention, and care

Patients with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, osteoporosis, and chronic lung disease

Professional wanting underlying scientific basis for recommendations

3. American Council on Exercise: Exercise for older adults book [5]

Techniques in group exercise

Seven exercises, free weights; six exercises, elastic bands

11 exercises

Three exercises

Lifestyle safety programming group-based leadership

Major chronic conditions, medications

Lay or professional exercise leaders

4. Exercise: a guide from the National Institute on Aging book/video [20]

Lifestyle activities

12 exercises, free weights and body weight

12 exercises

Six exercises

Lifestyle safety programming individual evaluation

Limited coverage

Older adult participant

5. Exercise for frail elders [7]

10 seated

14 exercises, elastic, free and Velcro strapped on weights

24 exercises

0

Safety programming group-based

Comprehensive section on chronic conditions

Lay or professional exercise leader