RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: With Australia's ageing population, especially in rural regions, promoting physical activity among older adults is crucial. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors influencing participation of older adults (60 years or over) from a rural community in a modified sport program and assess satisfaction with a pilot modified sport program informed by these findings. DESIGN: Insights and ideas from two focus groups exploring community perspectives on a modified sport program informed the development of a six-week pilot modified sport program delivered with the local fitness centre. Post-program surveys assessed participant satisfaction, willingness to continue, and likelihood of recommending the program to others. FINDINGS: Nine participants attended the focus groups, highlighting increased social connection, health management, and healthy ageing as key motivators. Joint and health concerns, cost, and time constraints emerged as main barriers. Preferences for the program included weekly sessions, alternating sports, indoor venues, and supporting modifications, but maintaining traditional rules. Thirteen participants participated in the pilot modified sport program. There was strong program attendance (86%). All participants (13/13) rated their satisfaction as very satisfied. They were highly likely to recommend the program to others (8.5/10) and were interested in continuing modified sport after the pilot (7.7/10). DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates for the first time that modified sport is of interest to older people in the rural setting, and that delivering such a program is feasible in a small community. Rural communities implementing modified sport should consider the availability of suitable facilities and equipment, access to an engaging facilitator and participant cost. CONCLUSION: Through a strong connection between the health service and community fitness centre, a modified sport program was developed and implemented, well-attended and enjoyed by participants in a rural community.
Asunto(s)
Población Rural , Deportes , Humanos , Proyectos Piloto , Anciano , Masculino , Femenino , Deportes/psicología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Grupos Focales , Promoción de la Salud/métodos , Vida Independiente , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Australia , Ejercicio Físico , Evaluación de Programas y Proyectos de SaludRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to describe if there was a change in physical functioning of rural clients with chronic diseases who were unable to attend their structured exercise groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary aim was to describe their physical activity during lockdown and their wellbeing upon return to their structured exercise groups. METHOD: Physical functioning measures collected in January to March 2020 (prior to suspension of structured exercise groups due to the lockdown) were repeated in July 2020 (when face-to-face activity resumed) and compared. A survey collected information about the client's level of physical activity during lockdown and wellbeing measures at the end of the lockdown. RESULTS: Forty-seven clients consented to provide physical functioning tests and 52 completed the survey. Only the modified 2-min step-up test displayed a statistically (but not clinically) significant change (n =29, 51.7vs 54.1 rep, P =0.01). Physical activity undertaken during lockdown was less in 48% (n =24), the same in 44% (n =22) and increased in 8% (n =4) of clients. Despite the lockdown, clients had high global satisfaction, high subjective wellbeing and normal resilience. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant changes in physical functioning when clients were unable to attend structured exercise groups for three months during the COVID-19 pandemic were not observed in this exploratory study. Further research is required to confirm the impact of isolation on physical functioning in those participating in group exercise to improve their chronic disease management.