EnhanceFitness
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
EnhanceFitness is a multi-component group exercise program designed for community-based organizations and retirement communities. Scientific evidence shows that regular physical activity can bring dramatic health benefits to people of all ages. Physical activity among seniors can extend years of active independent life, reduce disability, and improve the quality of life for older persons. The EnhanceFitness program consists of one-hour classes, three times a week. The classes are conducted by a certified fitness instructor and emphasize moderate intensity aerobic conditioning, strength training, flexibility, and balance exercises.
Goal / Mission
The goal of EnhanceFitness is to encourage older adults to engage in regular physical activity to improve their health and well-being.
Impact
EnhanceFitness participants reported a 13% improvement in social function, a 52% improvement in depression, and a 35% improvement in physical functioning. Additionally, participants' healthcare costs were 21% less than those of non-participants after one year.
Results / Accomplishments
Researchers at the University of Washington Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) first designed and piloted the program as part of a community study at Senior Services Northshore Senior Center in Seattle. The response from participants was immediate, and overwhelmingly positive. Not only were the seniors excited about participating, but study measures showed that the group improved significantly in almost every dimension tested. Study participants reported a 13% improvement in social function, a 52% improvement in depression, and a 35% improvement in physical functioning. Additionally, EnhanceFitness participants' healthcare costs were 21% less than those of non-participants after one year. EnhanceFitness has been offered in more than 500 sites nationally. Since 1994, more than 30,000 adults have participated in EnhanceFitness.
In a study examining the effectiveness of participation in EnhanceFitness, it was shown that in 2,889 participants who participated in outcomes testing, improvements were observed at 4 and 8 months on performance tests, and participants’ self-rating of health improved at 8 months.
In a study examining the effectiveness of participation in EnhanceFitness, it was shown that in 2,889 participants who participated in outcomes testing, improvements were observed at 4 and 8 months on performance tests, and participants’ self-rating of health improved at 8 months.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Sound Generations
Primary Contact
Topics
Health / Older Adults
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Physical Activity
Organization(s)
Sound Generations
Date of publication
2006
Date of implementation
1997
Location
Seattle, WA
For more details
Target Audience
Older Adults