Showing papers by "Martin Stevens published in 2001"
TL;DR: If multiple applications of the GFE are planned for the same group of participants, 1 or more practice trials should be executed for the block-transfer test to avoid a learning effect.
Abstract: Several items of the Groningen Fitness Test for the Elderly (GFE) were tested. The GFE tests were administered twice, with 1 week between sessions. The participants were 458 independently living adults >55 years of age. For most tests, there was reasonable agreement between sessions, indicating absolute objectivity and stability, but results on the block-transfer test revealed a learning effect. Mean scores on the balance-board and sit-and-reach tests showed significant improvement, whereas grip-strength results deteriorated significantly. All tests satisfied the criteria for relative reliability. In conclusion, absolute and relative reliability of the tests of the GFE were satisfactory. If multiple applications of the GFE are planned for the same group of participants, 1 or more practice trials should be executed for the block-transfer test to avoid a learning effect. A standard warm-up protocol is recommended for the sit-and-reach test. Participants should be strongly encouraged to give a maximum effort...
55 citations
TL;DR: A 17-week, twice-weekly, comprehensive, progressive exercise program for frail elderly adults is described in this paper, where strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, and coordination are trained by walking, kneeling, and chair stands, performed in the context of motor behavior such as games and daily activities.
Abstract: The article describes the design and preliminary evaluation of a 17-week, twice-weekly, comprehensive, progressive exercise program for frail elderly adults. The main objective was to maintain or improve mobility and performance of daily activities essential for independent functioning. Strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, and coordination were trained by walking, kneeling, and chair stands, performed in the context of motor behavior such as games and daily activities. The acceptability of the exercise program was evaluated in a population of community-dwelling, frail older adults (mean age 77.6 +/-5.4 years). Eighty-one percent completed the program. Program appreciation and attendance were high. Seventy-three percent reported wanting to continue participating if possible-although most only once a week. At followup (1-1.5 years afterward) 30% were still participating in an exercise program. The exercise program was enjoyed and accepted by a population of frail, previously sedentary elderly adults. Widespread implementation of this program could increase physical activity among frail older adults.
14 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the reliability and validity of a Dutch translation of a questionnaire to measure self-efficacy in leisure-time physical activity was assessed by 461 participants, 55-65 years old.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of a Dutch translation of a questionnaire to measure self-efficacy in leisure-time physical activity. The questionnaire consisted of three subscales measuring three dimensions of self-efficacy. It was completed by 461 participants, 55–65 years old. Fifty-nine participants took part in a test-retest study. Factor analysis and correlations between the sum-scores of the 3 scales confirmed that each scale measures a different dimension of self-efficacy. The criterion-related validity of 2 of the scales was found to be moderate. All 3 scales had a satisfactory internal consistency, indicating that they are reliable. Stability was assessed with a test-retest procedure, which yielded satisfactory results for 2 of the 3 scales. The results revealed an improvement in self-efficacy for 2 of the scales over a 4-week time period. When outliers were excluded, satisfactory values were obtained for intraclass correlation coefficients between the first ...
8 citations