Longitudinal Analysis of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Older Adults Participating in a Park-Based Fitness Program

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21423398
AutoresLi Tang (0000-0001-8311-2507, Duke University), Tang Li (0009-0001-2579-2433, School of Medicine, Duke University), Carl F Pieper (0000-0003-4809-1725, School of Medicine, Duke University), Jane Pendergast (0000-0001-5169-8371, Duke University), Jane Frances Pendergast (School of Medicine, Duke University), Eric Hansen (0000-0001-8469-190X, Miami-Dade County Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces), Maria I Nardi (Miami-Dade County Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces), Emily M D’agostino (0000-0003-0468-4836, School of Medicine, Duke University, autor correspondente)
Ano2026
Volume102
Fascículo2
Páginas135-149
Data de publicação2026-03-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoThe International Journal of Aging and Human Development (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0091-4150 • E-ISSN: 1541-3535
EditoraSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00914150241301014
PMID39819206
OpenAlexW4406497201
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas12

Background: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, particularly among older adults. We examined changes in cardiovascular risk factors among older adults in a community-based fitness program in Miami-Dade County, FL. Methods: We used repeated measures linear mixed models to examine participants’ cardiovascular risk factor changes over 28 months. Outcomes (body mass index, blood pressure, pulse, arm/leg strength, and mobility) were modeled accounting for park, individual, time, and sociodemographic factors (2017–2019). Results: The study included 210 participants (mean age 71 years; 86% female; 52% Hispanic, 38% non-Hispanic Black). Participation was positively associated with reductions in cardiovascular risk, including improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (−0.83 and −0.39 mmHg, respectively), mobility (−0.07 s) and arm strength (0.5 arm curls). Differences were observed in arm curls across sex and pulse across poverty areas. Conclusion: Participating in a park-based fitness program was associated with improved older adults’ cardiovascular health

Longitudinal data · Longitudinal study · Sociology · Demography · Medicine · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Urban Transport and Accessibility · Gerontology