Functional Performance and Health Knowledge after a Combination Exercise, Health Education, and Bingo Game

Health promotion programs are needed to help older adults remain functionally independent, yet adherence and retention are challenges. Combining exercise, health education, and the game of bingo may be an effective strategy. PURPOSE: To determine if a 10-week health promotion program (Bingocize) could improve functional performance and acquisition of health knowledge in older adults. METHODS: Participants (\u3e55 yrs. old) were assigned to an experimental group (n = 13; M=77.38 ± 8.16; 4 males, 9 females) or a wait-list control (n = 14; M =73.29 ± 8.51, 1 male, 13 females). The study consisted of two-45-60-minute sessions per week at an independent living senior facility. The program leader announced a health education question or led an exercise. Small prizes were awarded to game winners. Resting blood pressure (BP), body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), health knowledge (HEIQ), and functional performance were measured in both groups. Adherence was monitored using weekly attendance. Independent sample t- tests were used to detect differences between groups (p \u3c .05). RESULTS: Significant improvements in diastolic BP (t(25) = -2.38, p = .025), BW (t(25) = -3.78, p = .001), BMI (t(25) = -3.81, p = .001), arm curl repetitions (t(25) = 5.44, p =.001), 2-minute step test (t(23) =2.66, p =.014), number of chair stands (t(25) =3.07, p = .005), back scratch (t(24) = 2.67, p = .013), and 8 foot up and go (t(23) = 2.62), p = .015 were found in the experimental group compared to controls. There was no significant change in sit and reach (cm); (t (24) =1.96, p = .065) or health knowledge. Mean adherence was 97.31% ±2.59%. CONCLUSION: Bingocize has the potential to improve measures of functional performance in older adults. A direct measure of health knowledge may be more efficacious for future research