Applying the transtheoretical model to promote functional fitness of community older adults participating in elastic band exercises

Aims The transtheoretical model was applied to promote behavioural change and test the effects of a group senior elastic band exercise programme on the functional fitness of community older adults in the contemplation and preparation stages of behavioural change. Background Forming regular exercise habits is challenging for older adults. The transtheoretical model emphasizes using different strategies in various stages to facilitate behavioural changes. Design Quasi‐experimental design with pre‐test and post‐tests on two groups. Methods Six senior activity centres were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The data were collected during 2011. A total of 199 participants were recruited and 169 participants completed the study (experimental group n = 84, control group n = 85). The elastic band exercises were performed for 40 minutes, three times per week for 6 months. The functional fitness of the participants was evaluated at baseline and at the third and sixth month of the intervention. Statistical analyses included a two‐way mixed design analysis of variance, one‐way repeated measures analysis of variance and an analysis of covariance. Results All of the functional fitness indicators had significant changes at post‐tests from pre‐test in the experimental group. The experimental group had better performances than the control group in all of the functional fitness indicators after three months and 6 months of the senior elastic band exercises. Conclusion The exercise programme provided older adults with appropriate strategies for maintaining functional fitness, which improved significantly after the participants exercising regularly for 6 months.