gms | German Medical Science

Physical activity and successful aging
10th International EGREPA Conference

European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity

14.09. - 16.09.2006 in Köln

Getting started with strength training - does a 10 week training intervention motivate elderly novices to adhere to strength training?

Meeting Abstract

  • corresponding author J. Rußkowski - German Sport University Cologne, Germany
  • A. Stephan - Kieser Training AG, Germany
  • H. Mechling - German Sport University Cologne, Germany
  • J. Mester - German Sport University Cologne, Germany

Physical activity and successful aging. Xth International EGREPA Conference. Cologne, 14.-16.09.2006. Düsseldorf, Köln: German Medical Science; 2006. Doc06pasa067

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/pasa2006/06pasa067.shtml

Published: December 18, 2006

© 2006 Rußkowski et al.
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Outline

Text

Especially older persons have to overcome several prejudices and inhibition thresholds to participate into commercial preventive strength training. Prejudices are mainly referring to the own person's suitability and ability, to money and time needed for training, and of course - the benefit. Additionally some people will probably never have thought about strength training being as an appropriate kind of sport for seniors.

During the recruiting phase of a former strength training intervention we recognized an unsatisfied desire for information in strength training within the people at the age of 60 and above. 216 older adults from 60 through 86 years were included in this study, lasting 10 weeks.

One third of the subjects served as the control group, which received no intervention. After the study the control group had the chance to train one month for free at a commercial strength training facility.

Now, three years later, we start to research if the subjects have continued with strength training after the study was completed. Both, those who trained during the intervention and also the control group are inquired. This is an unconventional attempt to find out, what they are doing now: Did they continue? Why or why not? Did they start other forms of physical activity? What was their experience in (commercial) strength training? Did their former attitudes towards strength training change or remain?

This study is still in progress. It will be carried out during spring 2006 on the basis of an inquiry. Data and results will be presented. Results can be used to draw conclusions for general health care strategies and/or commercial marketing interventions.