TY - JOUR
T1 - Translating and Evaluating a Physical Activity Program for Aboriginal Elders on Noongar Boodjar (Country) — A Longitudinal Study
AU - Gidgup, Margaret J.R.
AU - Kickett, Marion
AU - Jacques, Angela
AU - Weselman, Tammy
AU - Hill, Keith D.
AU - Coombes, Julieann
AU - Ivers, Rebecca
AU - Bowser, Nicole
AU - Palacios, Vilma
AU - Hill, Anne Marie
N1 - Funding Information:
Health outcomes were measured at baseline, six, and 12 months and a final assessment was completed at 24 months at the conclusion of the program. Outcome measurement days were led by the Aboriginal student researcher, who was experienced at leading data collection in communities, with the physical outcome assessments being supervised by the lead physiotherapist researcher. Participants were administered the feedback questionnaire at the 12 months timepoint, or if they were not available at the 12-month timepoint they were asked to answer the questionnaire at the 24-month timepoint. Data collection was supported by the Aboriginal health workers, the Aboriginal project officer and Aboriginal research assistants. Training for health workers and research team assistants to assist with the data collection was provided prior to program commencement and at intervals throughout the program. The Ironbark research team from NSW and WA completed training together prior to the PA program commencement in the South West of WA. This combined team was made up of an Aboriginal researcher (JC) who was the former advisor of the original Ironbark training, the WA Aboriginal lead researcher (MJRG) and the WA Aboriginal project officer and Aboriginal project officers and health workers who would be present at both Elders' groups during the 2-year PA program.
Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2022 Gidgup, Kickett, Jacques, Weselman, Hill, Coombes, Ivers, Bowser, Palacios and Hill.
PY - 2022/7/22
Y1 - 2022/7/22
N2 - Objective: The primary aim of the study was to translate and evaluate the impact of a Physical Activity (PA) program on the physical function of older Aboriginal Elders on Noongar Boodjar (Country). Methods: A longitudinal design framed within an Indigenous methodology. Two groups, one metropolitan and one regional, of Aboriginal Elders, aged ≥45 years, participated in the Ironbark PA program. This comprised weekly strength and balance exercises followed by yarning circles. Physical function (primary outcome) and functional ability, cardiovascular risk factors (weight, waist circumference), falls efficacy and health-related quality of life were measured at baseline 6, 12 and 24 months. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed effects modeling. Results: Fifty-two Elders initially enrolled and of those, n = 23 (44.2%) Elders participated regularly for 24 months. There was a 6-month gap in program delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants made significant improvement in physical function at 12 months compared to baseline: [short physical performance battery (SPPB) at baseline, 8.85 points (95% CI 8.10, 9.61); 12 months 10.28 (95% CI 9.44, 11.13), p = 0.001: gait speed at baseline 0.81 ms−1 (95% CI 0.60, 0.93); 12 months 1.14 (95% CI 1.01, 1.27), p < 0.001]. Some sustained improvement compared to baseline was still evident at 24 months after the 6-month gap in attendance [SPPB 9.60 (8.59, 10.60) p = 0.14, gait speed 1.11 (0.95, 1.26) p < 0.001]. Cardiovascular risk factors showed a non-significant improvement at 12 and 24 months compared to baseline. All participants reported that they enjoyed the program, found it culturally appropriate and would recommend it to others. Conclusion: Older Aboriginal people showed sustained improvements in physical function after engaging in a culturally appropriate PA program. Culturally appropriate PA programs provide safety, security and choice for older Aboriginal people to engage in evidence-based PA.
AB - Objective: The primary aim of the study was to translate and evaluate the impact of a Physical Activity (PA) program on the physical function of older Aboriginal Elders on Noongar Boodjar (Country). Methods: A longitudinal design framed within an Indigenous methodology. Two groups, one metropolitan and one regional, of Aboriginal Elders, aged ≥45 years, participated in the Ironbark PA program. This comprised weekly strength and balance exercises followed by yarning circles. Physical function (primary outcome) and functional ability, cardiovascular risk factors (weight, waist circumference), falls efficacy and health-related quality of life were measured at baseline 6, 12 and 24 months. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed effects modeling. Results: Fifty-two Elders initially enrolled and of those, n = 23 (44.2%) Elders participated regularly for 24 months. There was a 6-month gap in program delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants made significant improvement in physical function at 12 months compared to baseline: [short physical performance battery (SPPB) at baseline, 8.85 points (95% CI 8.10, 9.61); 12 months 10.28 (95% CI 9.44, 11.13), p = 0.001: gait speed at baseline 0.81 ms−1 (95% CI 0.60, 0.93); 12 months 1.14 (95% CI 1.01, 1.27), p < 0.001]. Some sustained improvement compared to baseline was still evident at 24 months after the 6-month gap in attendance [SPPB 9.60 (8.59, 10.60) p = 0.14, gait speed 1.11 (0.95, 1.26) p < 0.001]. Cardiovascular risk factors showed a non-significant improvement at 12 and 24 months compared to baseline. All participants reported that they enjoyed the program, found it culturally appropriate and would recommend it to others. Conclusion: Older Aboriginal people showed sustained improvements in physical function after engaging in a culturally appropriate PA program. Culturally appropriate PA programs provide safety, security and choice for older Aboriginal people to engage in evidence-based PA.
KW - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
KW - aged
KW - Elder
KW - evaluations
KW - First Nations
KW - Indigenous
KW - physical activity
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85135485953&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3389/fpubh.2022.904158
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2022.904158
M3 - Article
C2 - 35937226
AN - SCOPUS:85135485953
SN - 2296-2565
VL - 10
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
JF - Frontiers in Public Health
M1 - 904158
ER -
