Physical function in sedentary and exercising older veterans as compared to national norms.
Published
Journal Article
We examined the associations between sedentary older veterans, those regularly involved in an outpatient exercise program and physical function. Sedentary and currently exercising older veterans performed a 30 s chair-stand test and 6 min walk test as part of an exercise program. Test results were then compared to national norms. The exercisers' test scores were not significantly different from the national averages. However, their mean 6 min walk score approached being significantly better than the national average (p = 0.095). The sedentary group's scores were significantly lower (p < or = 0.05) than the exercisers' scores and the national averages for both tests. In this cohort, older veterans who maintain a regular program of physical activity function at a level considered average or slightly above average compared to their age-matched peers, while sedentary veterans are significantly below average. Healthcare providers need to stress the importance of regular exercise to their older veteran patients.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Peterson, MJ; Crowley, GM; Sullivan, RJ; Morey, MC
Published Date
- September 2004
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 41 / 5
Start / End Page
- 653 - 658
PubMed ID
- 15558394
Pubmed Central ID
- 15558394
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1938-1352
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1682/jrrd.2003.09.0141
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States