The Effects of an Exercise Program on Joint Angles, Blood Pressure, and Self-efficacy in Elderly Community-dwelling Adults

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an exercise program for elderly community-dwelling adults. The program was intended to improve joint flexibility and self-efficacy and to reduce blood pressure. Methods: A quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group pre-post test design was used to evaluate the program. Twenty-six subjects were enrolled in the experimental group, and twenty-seven subjects were enrolled in the control group. The program was carried out between March 6 and May 4, 2006. The experimental group subjects participated in the exercise program once a week for eight weeks and received a phone call weekly to encourage self-exercise at home. Results: After program participation, the experimental group subjects showed significantly higher flexibility in the right shoulder joint and higher self-efficacy than subjects in the control group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also significantly lower in the experimental group subjects. However, there were no significant differences in knee joint flexibility between the two groups after the intervention. Conclusion: The eight-week exercise program was effective in decreasing blood pressure and improving joint flexibility and self-efficacy in older adults. This study suggests that this exercise program could be utilized as an effective independent nursing intervention modality in elderly persons.