The purpose of this two-phase study was to explore resistance exercise behaviors among older Albertans. Strategies designed to facilitate resistance training and reduce sedentary time need to be tested and implemented. One type of physical activity, resistance training (eg, strength training, weight lifting), has been shown to have unique benefits for older adults.
For example, Peterson, Rhea, Sen, and Gordon (2010) found that resistance training is beneficial physical activity behavior for older adults to increase lean skeletal muscle mass and improve muscle fitness. Despite these benefits, the prevalence of participation in resistance training among older adults is expected to be low. Unfortunately, resistance training rates for older adults are not tracked in Canada; however, the Alberta Center for Active Living (2013) measured older adults' physical activity rates and found it to be only 35 percent.
To date, no study has dually examined patterns of resistance training and sedentary behavior in older adults. The primary purpose of this two-phase cross-sectional study was to gain a better understanding of resistance training behaviors among older adults in Alberta.
Literature Review Older Adults as a Growing Demographic
Topic: how physical activity and strength training (e.g. lifting weights, strength training) are related to health and disease prevention. If you would like to do this survey online, I can also direct you to the link. The survey asks about current physical activities (exercise), including any strength training activities, thoughts/feelings about physical activity as well as your health and quality of life.
If you don't do any strength training that's fine, we'd still appreciate it if you completed the survey. I am mainly interested in how strength training (eg weight lifting) is related to the health of the elderly. However, little is known about the physical activity and strength training habits of Albertans aged 55 and over.
We are interested in finding out a little about your general health and then seeing what your current physical activities are, including any strength training activities in an average week and month. The aim of our study is to further understand how physical activity and strength training activity can affect your health. This survey will ask you about the current physical activities you do, including any strength training activities, how much time you spend being sedentary (eg sitting, driving), your thoughts about physical activity, as well as your current quality of life and how you feel about yourself .
Absolutely yes, we would like you to take part in this study if you do not exercise/strength exercise, or think you are a very active person. For the study to be successful, we need information from a wide range of activity levels: from those who consider themselves inactive and do no strength training to Albertans who are active every day and often strength train. It is very important that you do not change your normal physical activity and any strength training activities during this study.
We'll actually get more useful information if you keep doing the activities you usually do and don't change anything. After completing the survey, you are free to change any physical activity habits at that time if you wish. Your participation in the study is only to complete the survey and return it to our research team according to the instructions above.
When you have finished the survey, return the completed survey in the self-addressed business response envelope that was enclosed for you and mail the envelope to us. However, you have the right to refuse participation and withdraw from the study without any consequences for you. If you are interested, you are welcome to receive a final report of the study results.
SECTION B: in this section of the survey we ask you to answer several questions about strength training activities. Strength training is also called weight training or resistance training, and involves challenging the muscles against a resistance (such as a dumbbell or physical activity band). What do you think would be the main advantages and disadvantages of participating in regular strength training activities for you?
What factors do you think would make it easier or harder for you to participate in regular strength training activities? Which people or groups would approve or disapprove of you participating in regular strength training activities. This information helps us design effective strength training programs for adults 55 and older in the community.
Are you interested in a strength training program especially for people aged 55 and older? Do you think you could participate in a strength training program designed specifically for people age 55 and older? If you were to start a strength training program, when would you prefer to start the program?
Strength training counseling or coaching should be provided by a strength training specialist who has the appropriate certification. If you were to do strength training, where would you prefer it to take place? with a specialist in a regular gym. If you were to receive strength training training, how would you prefer to be given additional/extra information about maintaining muscle strength. please note your first, second and third choice on the lines below).
Do you have any of the following strength training equipment in your home? please tick all that apply). Frequency: Over a typical week during the past month, how often did you do strength training activities. Number the following from your most preferred type of strength training (#1) to your least preferred type (#4).
