PURPOSE: This study sought to advance the state of knowledge regarding physical activity and aging by identifying areas of agreement among experts regarding topics that are well understood versus those that are in urgent need of continued research efforts. DESIGN AND METHODS: We used a web-based survey with snowball sampling to identify 348 experts who were invited to complete a brief web-based survey. Responses were received from 38% of invited respondents. RESULTS: Respondents reported that the efficacy and effectiveness of several types of physical activity were well understood but the dose-response relationship required for a health benefit was not. In general, more research is needed examining the effectiveness of programs on cognitive health outcomes and the impact of multiple risk factor programs. With respect to translation, more research is needed on how to maintain older adults in evidence-based programs and how to adapt programs for special populations. Researchers agreed that racial/ethnic minorities; persons with low socioeconomic status; and those with physical, intellectual, or mental health disability were substantially understudied. Finally, research on maintenance, implementation, and reach with respect to these populations was judged to be more urgently needed than research on efficacy and effectiveness. IMPLICATIONS: A substantial amount of consensus was found across a national group of experts. These findings should be instrumental in forging a new research agenda in the area of aging and physical activity.
PURPOSE: This study sought to advance the state of knowledge regarding physical activity and aging by identifying areas of agreement among experts regarding topics that are well understood versus those that are in urgent need of continued research efforts. DESIGN AND METHODS: We used a web-based survey with snowball sampling to identify 348 experts who were invited to complete a brief web-based survey. Responses were received from 38% of invited respondents. RESULTS: Respondents reported that the efficacy and effectiveness of several types of physical activity were well understood but the dose-response relationship required for a health benefit was not. In general, more research is needed examining the effectiveness of programs on cognitive health outcomes and the impact of multiple risk factor programs. With respect to translation, more research is needed on how to maintain older adults in evidence-based programs and how to adapt programs for special populations. Researchers agreed that racial/ethnic minorities; persons with low socioeconomic status; and those with physical, intellectual, or mental health disability were substantially understudied. Finally, research on maintenance, implementation, and reach with respect to these populations was judged to be more urgently needed than research on efficacy and effectiveness. IMPLICATIONS: A substantial amount of consensus was found across a national group of experts. These findings should be instrumental in forging a new research agenda in the area of aging and physical activity.
Authors: Marco Pahor; Steven N Blair; Mark Espeland; Roger Fielding; Thomas M Gill; Jack M Guralnik; Evan C Hadley; Abby C King; Stephen B Kritchevsky; Cinzia Maraldi; Michael E Miller; Anne B Newman; Walter J Rejeski; Sergei Romashkan; Stephanie Studenski Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2006-11 Impact factor: 6.053
Authors: Thomas Prohaska; Elaine Belansky; Basia Belza; David Buchner; Victor Marshall; Kathleen McTigue; William Satariano; Sara Wilcox Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2006-09 Impact factor: 4.077
Authors: Mark Snowden; Lesley Steinman; Kara Mochan; Francine Grodstein; Thomas R Prohaska; David J Thurman; David R Brown; James N Laditka; Jesus Soares; Damita J Zweiback; Deborah Little; Lynda A Anderson Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2011-03-25 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: Todd M Manini; James E Everhart; Kushang V Patel; Dale A Schoeller; Lisa H Colbert; Marjolein Visser; Frances Tylavsky; Douglas C Bauer; Bret H Goodpaster; Tamara B Harris Journal: JAMA Date: 2006-07-12 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: Brenda W J H Penninx; W Jack Rejeski; Jasma Pandya; Michael E Miller; Mauro Di Bari; William B Applegate; Marco Pahor Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2002-03 Impact factor: 4.077
Authors: Shirley M Bluethmann; Christopher N Sciamanna; Renate M Winkels; Kathleen M Sturgeon; Kathryn H Schmitz Journal: Am J Lifestyle Med Date: 2018-02-07
Authors: Jacqueline Kerr; Simon J Marshall; Ruth E Patterson; Catherine R Marinac; Loki Natarajan; Dori Rosenberg; Kari Wasilenko; Katie Crist Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2013-11 Impact factor: 5.562