Implementation of an Evidence-Based Exercise Program for Older Adults in South Florida

Introduction. this study aimed to examine how well an evidence-based physical activity program could be translated for wide scale dissemination and adoption to increase physical activity among community-dwelling older adults. methods. between october 2009 and december 2012,reach,fidelity,dosage,ease of implementation,and barriers to translation of enhancefitness (ef) were assessed. to assess effectiveness,a pretest-posttest design was used to measure increases in functional fitness (chair stands,arm curls,and the up-and-go test). results. fourteen community-based agencies offered 126 ef classes in 83 different locations and reached 4,490 older adults. most participants were female (72%). thirty-eight percent of participants did not complete the initial 16-week ef program. the 25% who received the recommended dose experienced an increase in upper and lower body strength and mobility. further,participants reported high satisfaction with the program. conclusion. ef was successfully implemented in a variety of settings throughout south florida and reached a large number of older adults. however,challenges were encountered in ensuring that those who participated received a program dose that would lead to beneficial gains in functional fitness. © 2016 richard c. palmer et al.