Evaluation Of the Effect of a Self-Developed Exercise Program in An Outdoor Gym on The Physical Fitness of People Over 60 Years of Age

Aims: To evaluate the effect of a 4-week training program in an outdoor gym on the physical fitness of individuals aged 60–74 years measured by the Fullerton test. Material and methods: A total of 31 subjects were eligible, of whom 26 subjects (18 women and 8 men) completed the study (mean age of 66.8 ± 4 years). Before and after the 4-week training period in an outdoor gym, the participants subjectively rated their physical fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, endurance, and mood using a self-designed rating scale. A Fullerton test was also administered before and after the training program. Training in the outdoor gym was performed 3 times per week in 45-minute sessions for 4 weeks. Results: It was observed that the 4-week training program in an outdoor gym significantly improved the participants’ subjective ratings of their own physical fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, endurance, and mood. There was a statistically significant improvement in all parameters assessed by the Fullerton test. There was also a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI) after the 4-week training program. Conclusions: Training in an outdoor gym has a remarkable effect on fitness components, as shown by the Fullerton test, BMI reduction, and self-assessment of health and well-being. Original article, Physiotherapy Review, 2021, 25(3), 44-49