Browsing by Subject "Physical activity (PA)"

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    Physical Activity Mediates Latin Dance Participation And Fitness Outcomes In Older Latinos
    (Oxford University Press, 2022) Kaushal, Navin; Balbim, Guilherme; Jaldin, Michelle; Marquez, David; Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Sciences
    Background: The benefits of engaging in physical activity (PA) for older adults (OA) are well documented; however, participation rates remain low, especially among OA Latinos. Latin dance expresses and promotes culture among Latinos, and can be an effective approach to promote PA. However, the physical function and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) benefits of OA engaging in Latin dance have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to test if PA from an 8-month dance trial yielded and explained improvements in physical function and CRF. Methods: The study analyzed physical function and CRF outcomes from the BAILA trial. Participants (n= 333) were Latinos (age 55+) who were randomized to a dance or control condition for an 8-month study. PA was assessed using the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS), physical function was assessed with the short physical performance battery protocol (SPPB) and estimated CRF was assessed using the Jurca non–exercise test model. Results. ANCOVA models found significant change in SPPB total scores(F1, 331= 4.01, p=0.046) and estimated CRF (F1, 331= 7.66, p= 0.006) over eight months in favor of the dance group. Follow-up mediation models found MVPA to mediate between group and SBBP scores, (β= 0.05, 95% CI [0.0128, 0.1147]). MVPA also mediated between group and CRF, (β= 0.06, 95% CI [0.0164, 0.1197]). Conclusion. The study supports organized Latin dance programs to be effective for improving physical and cardiorespiratory benefits among older adults. The findings also encourage future investigations to promote PA in culturally relevant forms.
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    Physical Activity Profile and Preference Among Older Adult Patients With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study
    (Oxford University Press, 2023-12-21) Nemati, Donya; Ballinger, Tarah; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for older adults (OAs) with cancer by improving physical function, mental health, and lowering the risk of recurrence in some cancer types. However, limited knowledge on OAs preferences may impede effective interventions. This study aimed to identify the PA profiles and preferences of OAs (age≥ 65) compared to younger adult (YA;18-64 years old) cancer patients. Data were collected from 372 adult patients with non-metastatic cancers visiting Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center between July 2020-June 2021. Patients completed a cross-sectional survey comprising disease characteristics, PA habits, and PA preferences. A total of 132 OA patients (age 71 ± 5.2 years) were predominantly male (56.1%) and Caucasian (92.4%). Of these, 33.8% reported a decrease in PA after their cancer diagnosis. Fatigue (22%) and lack of motivation (16%) were the most reported PA barriers. While 43% of patients received exercise recommendations from their oncologists, 75% of those did not receive specific guidance. The majority of OAs preferred home-based workouts (65.9%) and exercise motivation packages (52.7%) over exercising at a cancer center facility (26%). Compared to YA patients (n=237), a smaller percentage of OAs (26.5% vs. 38.4%: p<.05) believed that PA could reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, and time constraints were less of a barrier for OAs (7.6% vs. 21.5%: p<.05). A home-based PA program that is supported with motivation packages may appeal to OAs with cancer. These findings are informative for designing tailored PA programs that suit the interests and preferences of OA patients with cancer.