Effets et implantation d’un programme communautaire de marche avec bâtons destiné aux aînés
Older adults are the least physically active portion of the population. Health benefits of physical activity for them have been widely demonstrated. Efforts to encourage older adults to engage in more physical activity are therefore critical. Recently, pole walking has positioned itself as an activity of interest to promote older adults’ health. Several studies conducted in controlled research-based environments have demonstrated both physical and psychological benefits in older adults after group-based pole walking programs. However, it is not enough to document the results of interventions under controlled conditions. Research must also produce knowledge about the factors that influence the impact of these interventions when they are implemented in natural environments. Hence, the main objective of this doctoral thesis was to analyze the effects and implementation of a 12-week pole walking program offered by 13 community organizations in the Greater Montreal area to 123 independent seniors. Performed twice a week for one hour, the program consists mainly of pole walking, but also included complementary exercises and activities aimed to promote a physically active lifestyle. The first study of this thesis showed that the program reached the typical population of this type of initiative. Moreover, the program was partially in concordance with the original protocol and the overall response to the program was positive. The second and third studies demonstrated that the program was able, in the short term, to increase the physical activity levels of the participants sufficiently to generate benefits which focused mainly on improvements in muscular strength. Further studies are needed to explore the effects of pole walking programs offered in free-living conditions, most-importantly on cognitive function and the long-term physical activity levels of participants.
Pole walking Older adults Physical activity Program evaluation Community setting Implementation Physical capacity Psychological well-being Cognitive function Health promotion