Comparison of two physical activity interventions on the physical fitness for informal caregivers

Authors

  • Marieke Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, CRC
  • Pei-Chun Hsieh, MS
  • Danielle Pernell, BS, CTRS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2008.0006

Keywords:

caregivers, fitness, walking, yoga

Abstract

Physical activity is known to improve components of physical fitness such as strength, flexibility, and endurance. Informal caregivers often provide intensive care to their relatives or friends, which may require a moderate level of physical fitness. However, intervention studies with caregivers have not focused on improving the fitness of caregivers. Therefore, data from two studies were compared to determine the influence of yoga and mall-walking on the physical fitness of informal caregivers. The findings indicate that yoga provided the most physical fitness benefits, while mall-walking provided some benefits, and that caregivers with no intervention experienced the most decrements in physical fitness over an eight-week time period.

Author Biographies

Marieke Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, CRC

Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Pei-Chun Hsieh, MS

Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Danielle Pernell, BS, CTRS

Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

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Published

01/01/2008

How to Cite

Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, CRC, M., Hsieh, MS, P.-C., & Pernell, BS, CTRS, D. (2008). Comparison of two physical activity interventions on the physical fitness for informal caregivers. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 7(1), 35–41. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2008.0006

Issue

Section

Articles