Evaluating participants' perceptions of a functional physical fitness assessment for those aged 60 years and over conducted in the community by student physiotherapists
dc.contributor.author | Bunn, Lisa | |
dc.contributor.author | Byrne, C | |
dc.contributor.author | Virgo, P | |
dc.contributor.author | Bannigan, Katrina | |
dc.contributor.author | Candy, E | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2020-08-08T10:17:51Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2021-03-02 | |
dc.identifier.issn | 1354-8581 | |
dc.identifier.issn | 1759-779X | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10026.1/16143 | |
dc.description.abstract |
<jats:sec><jats:title>Background/aims</jats:title><jats:p> Physical fitness is crucial in preserving independence and quality of life for older adults. A functional physical fitness assessment has been designed specifically for those aged 60 years and over. This study explored older people's perceptions of this assessment, conducted by student physiotherapists, and the feasibility of a larger study to evaluate the long-term effects of its use. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p> A total of five scheduled drop-in sessions were arranged. Participants aged 60 years and over were recruited. Physiotherapy students conducted the assessment and participants completed follow-up physical activity status and quality of life questionnaires as well as an evaluation of the session. Focus groups were conducted to explore participant's perceptions and experiences. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p> Overall, 91 adults (aged 60–93 years) participated, 75 (46 (61%) women and 10 (13%) men) completed questionnaires, and seven attended focus groups. In total, 100% of the 91 participants suggested that those aged 60 years and over would benefit from functional fitness assessment, and 79% perceived this would lead to increased physical activity. Focus group participants reported they enjoyed working with students and suggested that regular assessment would provide a yardstick for their level of fitness, that they would like to repeat their tests next year and that ‘they were mentally a positive thing’. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title><jats:p> Functional fitness assessments were perceived as useful and encouraged older adults to increase their activity levels. Students successfully completed the tests in non-healthcare settings. This study suggests that a large trial designed to assess the benefit of regular functional fitness assessment for the over 60s in community settings is feasible. </jats:p></jats:sec> | |
dc.format.extent | 1-12 | |
dc.language | en | |
dc.language.iso | en | |
dc.publisher | Mark Allen Healthcare | |
dc.subject | Aging | |
dc.subject | Prevention | |
dc.subject | Clinical Research | |
dc.subject | 7.1 Individual care needs | |
dc.title | Evaluating participants' perceptions of a functional physical fitness assessment for those aged 60 years and over conducted in the community by student physiotherapists | |
dc.type | journal-article | |
dc.type | Journal Article | |
plymouth.issue | 3 | |
plymouth.volume | 28 | |
plymouth.publisher-url | https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/journal/ijtr | |
plymouth.publication-status | Published | |
plymouth.journal | International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation | |
dc.identifier.doi | 10.12968/ijtr.2019.0050 | |
plymouth.organisational-group | /Plymouth | |
plymouth.organisational-group | /Plymouth/Faculty of Health | |
plymouth.organisational-group | /Plymouth/Faculty of Health/School of Health Professions | |
plymouth.organisational-group | /Plymouth/REF 2021 Researchers by UoA | |
plymouth.organisational-group | /Plymouth/REF 2021 Researchers by UoA/UoA03 Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy | |
plymouth.organisational-group | /Plymouth/Research Groups | |
plymouth.organisational-group | /Plymouth/Research Groups/Institute of Health and Community | |
plymouth.organisational-group | /Plymouth/Users by role | |
plymouth.organisational-group | /Plymouth/Users by role/Academics | |
dcterms.dateAccepted | 2020-08-04 | |
dc.rights.embargodate | 2021-12-14 | |
dc.identifier.eissn | 1759-779X | |
dc.rights.embargoperiod | Not known | |
rioxxterms.versionofrecord | 10.12968/ijtr.2019.0050 | |
rioxxterms.licenseref.uri | http://www.rioxx.net/licenses/all-rights-reserved | |
rioxxterms.licenseref.startdate | 2021-03-02 | |
rioxxterms.type | Journal Article/Review |