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The effect of a weighted vest on perceived health status and bone density in older persons

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Abstract

To assess the effect of an exercise intervention using a weighted vest on perceived health status and bone density in older persons, we enrolled 36 seniors in a randomized controlled trial. The vest-use group met weekly for 1 h for a low level exercise class. They wore a weighted vest during the class and as tolerated at home. The discussion controls met for 1 h weekly. At baseline and follow-up (20 weeks), subjects completed a questionnaire that incuded the 20 item MOS Short-Form Health Survey, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale, and bone density was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Subjects also completed daily activity diaries. Subjects in the vest group reported a statistically significant dicrease in bodily pain, improved physical functioning, and increased internal health locus of control. Bone density increased by 1% in the vest group and decreased by 0.6% in the controls (p=0.12). We conclude that our exercise intervention had a positive effect on some measures of perceived health in older persons.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of General Internal Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, 90024-1685, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    G. A. Greendale & S. H. Hirsch

  2. Suite 420 and Division of Endocrinology and Geriatrics, UCLA School of Medicine, 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, 90024-1685, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    T. J. Hahn

Authors
  1. G. A. Greendale
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  2. S. H. Hirsch
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  3. T. J. Hahn
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Additional information

This work was supported by grants from the Charles A. Dana Foundation, the UCLA Academic Senate, and the Bureau of Health Professions Mid-Career Faculty Training Grant.

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Greendale, G.A., Hirsch, S.H. & Hahn, T.J. The effect of a weighted vest on perceived health status and bone density in older persons. Qual Life Res 2, 141–152 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00435733

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00435733

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