Original scientific paper
The Impact of a Long-Term Community-Based Group Exercise Programme on Functional Health in Older Adults
Lovorka Bilajac
Mihaela Marinović Glavić
Vanja Vasiljev
Ana Jelaković
Zlatko Trobonjača
Tomislav Rukavina
Denis Juraga
Bojan Jelaković
Abstract
Introduction: Functional health is a key determinant of independence and quality of life in older adults. Community-based structured exercise programs may help preserve physical function and support healthy ageing, particularly among older adults with cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a community-based group exercise program on functional health outcomes in older adults.
Materials and Methods: This pre-post intervention study included 239 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and over with diagnosed cardiovascular disease. Participants attended a structured group exercise program twice weekly for eight months. The program consisted of warm-up exercises, strength and balance training, functional exercises, and stretching. Measurements were performed at baseline and after the intervention and included body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), blood pressure, handgrip strength, Romberg test, and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Statistical analyses were performed using paired-samples tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Following the intervention, significant improvements were observed in handgrip strength, balance performance assessed by the Romberg test, mobility assessed by the TUG test, systolic blood pressure, and WHtR (all p < 0.05). The proportion of participants achieving a normal Romberg test result increased after the intervention. No significant changes were observed in BMI, WHR, diastolic blood pressure, or heart rate.
Conclusions: An 8-month community-based group exercise program was associated with significant improvements in several indicators of functional health among older adults with cardiovascular disease. These findings support the implementation of community-based exercise programs as an accessible strategy for promoting functional independence and healthy ageing.
Keywords
aged; exercise; physical function
Hrčak ID:
348439
URI
Publication date:
25.6.2026.
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