I report on the findings of an inductive, interpretive multiple-case study of organizational cross-cultural adaptation and answer the question of how foreign companies can overcome the challenges of fitting into their host environment. Based on in-depth interview data from nine Chinese firms operating in the United States, I explore the content and drivers of firm-level cross-cultural adaptation. The emergent framework demonstrates a dynamic and comprehensive process at the firm level, involving a multilevel and multidimensional adaptation to fit through social networking. The identified patterns of adaptors reveal the link between cross-cultural adaptation and functional fitness of firms in a foreign environment. The study also identifies the boundary conditions of the cross-cultural adaptation of foreign firms. In addition, the study highlights the previously underserved aspect of functional fitness in a foreign environment and its essential role in influencing a firm’s overseas performance.

Ageing is associated with declines in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness; yet for older adults the ability to perform the basic tasks of daily living is partly dependent on upperand lower-body fitness. Exercise training is an effective approach to counteract these age associated declines, with combined exercise training and high-intensity interval training (HIT) capable of eliciting improvements in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness simultaneously. Recently, a new hydraulic resistance exercise machine (Speedflex) has been developed with potential to be a viable training mode for older adults allowing users to perform high speed movements with upper- and lower-body muscles. Accordingly, the aim of this thesis was to evaluate the potential effectiveness of Speedflex as a training strategy in older adults. Initially, this work sought to determine the feasibility of performing exercise training using Speedflex in older adults by quantifying the acute training responses to 1) HIT and 2) strength training and comparing these against criterion exercise modes. Here, the observed physiological and perceptual responses demonstrated that Speedflex is a feasible mode of exercise training in older adults, capable of inducing a high-intensity training stimulus. Following this, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to quantify the effects of same-session combined exercise training in older adults with results demonstrating possibly small to possibly large beneficial effects on measures of fitness. As muscle power appears to be a critical determinant of physical functioning in older adults, chapter five evaluated the reliability of the Nottingham leg extensor power rig, finding it to be reliable both short- and long-term, thereby confirming its suitability as a primary outcome measure for the final study and providing data for sample size estimation. Finally, chapter six evaluated the effects of a 12-week combined upper- and lower-body HIT intervention using Speedflex on physical fitness in older adults. Clear beneficial improvements were observed for participants in the intervention group compared to those in the control group for maximal oxygen uptake (~8%), muscle power (~10%) and muscle strength (~6%). The findings presented in this thesis demonstrate that both same-session combined training and HIT performed using Speedflex are capable of simultaneously improving cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in older adults.

No description available.

Older adults represent one of the fastest growing populations as well as one of the most inactive. The effects of inactivity (e.g., fall risk, reduced quality of life, inability to age in place) may be mitigated through health promotion programs that include strength-training components. In addition to targeted exercises, it is recommended that programs for older adults incorporate principles of group dynamics (e.g., group goal setting, group distinctiveness) as these types of interventions have previously increased adherence and compliance of physical activity beyond the life of the program and are more effective than individually delivered interventions (e.g., at home DVD, one-on-one). However, these programs are not readily adopted and sustained in practice, which could reflect a lack of programmatic fit within the intended delivery setting. Forming a partnership with key stakeholders within the intended practice setting (e.g., communities and clinics) to identify or develop an evidence-based program that satisfies the mission, values, and resources of the deliver setting, may influence program uptake and sustainability. It is essential to assess setting- and staff-level perceptions of program fit prior to successful implementation. Once interventions are embedded within the standards of care or practice, the intervention has the potential to reach a greater number of older adults and improve their functional fitness outcomes. These intervention attributes are outlined in the prominent RE-AIM Framework: Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance. Taken together, practice- and research- adaptations may increase the adoption of an intervention, and it is necessary to also measure the degree to which an adapted program impacts Reach, Effect, Implementation, and Maintenance. Practice- and evidence-based adaptations are often necessary and inevitable to improve intervention fit within an intended delivery setting. The overall objective of this dissertation was to use an integrated research-practice partnership approach to select, adapt, and evaluate effects of a multi-faceted strength-training program for older adults in community and clinical settings. The aim of Manuscript 1 was to describe the process by which an evidence-based intervention was adapted to meet the needs of a community entity as well as the initial Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance dimensions of the RE-AIM framework. Manuscript 2 aims to evaluate the initial Reach of older adults and Effect on functional fitness of the adapted program, LIFT, to generate evidence in support of the adapted intervention through an integrated research-practice partnership with a community entity. Manuscript 3 outlines the development, processes, and temporal outcomes of an integrated research-practice partnership approach aimed at linking stakeholders across the academic-clinical-community continuum to assess feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness outcomes associated with Implementation of a LIFT referral scheme. Based on the research presented in this dissertation, it is concluded that an integrated research-practice partnership, although time intensive, may be an effective approach to report real-world adaptations based on the needs of the delivery setting without compromising effects of an evidence-based strength-training intervention for older adults. / Ph. D.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science)--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Functional fitness refers to the physical capacity to perform normal everyday activities safely and independently without undue fatigue. More specifically, functional fitness refers to having adequate strength, flexibility, mobility and endurance to execute essential tasks efficiently and effortlessly. Being functionally fit is important for all populations, but even more so for populations at risk for loosing functional capacity such as the elderly, disabled, and those with chronic medical conditions. Down syndrome individuals form part of the intellectually disabled population and show even more marked reductions in physical and functional capacities when compared to this already functionally limited population. Most DS individuals live sedentary lives, are obese, and age prematurely. For these reasons it is important to develop their functional capacities optimally. Although standardised tests are available for youngsters with intellectual disability, this is not the case for DS individuals. This study therefore endeavoured to describe the physical and functional fitness capacity of DS adults and to determine how much individual physical attributes contribute to functional capacity. 17 items, of which the validity and reliability have been determined, were included in the test battery. This included 2 balance tests, 2 flexibility tests, 2 coordination tests, 5 muscular strength and endurance tests, 2 functional tasks and an aerobic test. A total of 371 individuals from DS centres and institutions across seven provinces in South Africa volunteered to participate in the study. The study sample was categorised according to gender and four different age groups (18-25, 26-35, 36-45, >45 years) for further analysis. DS men were taller, heavier and had a greater arm span and sitting height than DS women. The majority of the participants were either overweight or obese. DS men performed significantly better on all but three tests compared to the women. The women performed better on the sit- and- reach flexibility test and the chair stand test, however, differences were not statistically significant. Physical test items correlated significantly and strongly to functional performance in 9 items for DS men and 5 items for DS women. Importantly, balance items correlated stronger with functional performance in DS women than in DS men. This is not a new finding and suggests that separate training programs should be developed for DS men and DS women. This is the first study of its kind in South Africa and confirms the findings of previous studies that DS adults have both low physical and functional capacities. They are particularly weak in terms of basic endurance and strength, which have been shown are trainable variables in DS individuals. The study also provides valuable criterion referenced values for an adult DS population. This information will assist health professionals in tailoring appropriate training programs to address functional limitations, as well as the negative health consequences associated with ageing. This special population thus need the assistance of sport scientists, as well as the community, to integrate them into special training and activity programs to improve their quality of life. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Funksionele fiksheid verwys na die fisieke kapasiteit om alledaagse aktiwiteite op ‘n veilige en onafhanklike wyse uit te voer sonder om oormatige vermoeienis te ervaar. Meer spesifiek beteken funksionele fiksheid dat ‘n person voldoende krag, lenigheid, beweeglikheid en uithouvermoë besit om essensiële take doeltreffend en moeiteloos te voltooi. Alle populasies behoort funksioneel fiks te wees, maar dit is self meer belangrik vir populasies wat die risiko het om hul funksionele kapasiteit te verloor, soos bejaardes, persone met gestremdhede en diegene met kroniese mediese toestande. Down sindroom individue is deel van die populasie met intellektueel gestremdhede en hulle het selfs meer fisieke en funksionele beperkinge as die intellektueel gestremdes. Die meeste persone met DS het ‘n onaktiewe leefstyl, is vetsugtig en ervaar premature veroudering. Vir hierdie redes is dit uiters belangrik om hulle funksionele kapasiteit optimaal te ontwikkel. Hoewel gestandaardiseerde toetse beskikbaar is vir jong persone met intellektueel gestremdhede, is dit nie die geval met DS individue nie. Hierdie studie was ‘n poging om die fisieke en funksionele fiksheidkapasiteit van DS volwassenes te beskryf en te bepaal tot watter mate fisieke eienskappe funksionele kapasiteit bepaal. 17 items, waarvan die geldigheid en herhaalbaarheid bepaal is, is ingelsuit in die toetsbattery. Dit het die volgende ingesluit: 2 balanstoetse, 2 lenigheidstoetse, 2 koordinasietoetse. 5 spierkrag en uithouvermoë toetse, 2 funksionale take en een aërobiese toets. ‘n Totaal van 371 individue van DS sentrums en instellings in sewe provinsies in Suid Afrika het vrywillig ingestem om aan die studie deel te neem. Die steekproef is volgens geslag en ouderdom in vier kategorieë verdeel (18-25, 26-35, 36-45, >45 jaar) vir verdere analise. DS mans was langer, swaarder en het ‘n langer armlengte en sithoogte gehad as DS vroue. Die meerderheid van die deelnemers was of oorgewig of vetsugtig. DS mans het beduidend beter as die vroue gevaar in al die toetse, behalwe drie. Die vroue het beter gevaar in die sit en strek lenigheidstoets en die stoel opstaan toets, maar die verskille was nie statisties betekenisvol nie. Nege fisieke toetsitems vir mans het sterk en betekenisvol gekorreleer met funksionele kapasiteit, terwyl 5 items vir vroue betekenisvolle korrelasies gewys het. Balans items het sterker met funksionele kapasiteit in vroue as in mans gekorreleer. Hierdie is nie ‘n nuwe bevinding nie en bevestig dat verskillende oefenprogramme vir DS mans en vroue ontwikkel moet word. Hierdie is die eerste studie van sy soort in Suid Afrika en bevestig die resultate van vorige studies dat DS volwassenes beide lae fisieke en funksionele kapasiteite het. Hulle is veral swak ten opsigte van basiese uithouvermoë en spierkrag, maar beide hierdie veranderlikes kan by DS persone ingeoefen word. Hierdie studie voorsien ook waardevolle kriterium verwysingswaardes vir ‘n volasse DS populasie. Hierdie inligting kan persone in die gesondheidsberoepe help om gepaste oefenprogramme saam te stel om die funksionele beperkings en negatiewe gesondheidsgevolge wat met veroudering geassosieer word, aan te spreek. Hierdie spesiale populasie benodig dus die hulp van sportwetenskaplikes, sowel as die gemeenskap, om hulle te integreer in spesiale oefen- en aktiwiteitsprogramme om sodoende hulle kwaliteit van lewe te verbeter.

Previous research has suggested that physical exercise can play a role in not only improving functional performance, but also cognitive function. In this study, adults age 60 and older participated in a health promotion intervention that included two groups: (a) a Bingocize® group, who exercised and learned about relevant health information while playing bingo, and (b) a control group who only learned about relevant health information while playing bingo. The intervention was completed over the course of 10- weeks at community senior centers. Cognitive function, functional fitness, and health knowledge were assessed before and after the intervention to test for improvements. Through the course of the intervention, both the experimental and control groups showed improvements in several areas of cognition as well as functional performance. However, on a few tasks the experimental group showed improvement while the control group did not; specifically, on an updating (cognition) task, and two functional performance tasks (repeated chair stands and arm curls). Both of the groups also showed improvement in knowledge of relevant health information and a measure of patient activation (how confident a person feels in maintaining their personal health). From this, it is suggested that the Bingocize® program may be a promising approach to improving select aspects of cognition and functional performance in older adulthood.

Author: Bc. Barbora Kuhnová Title: Maintaining physical fitness and adherence to physical activity in healthy elderly women. Objective: The main goal of the thesis is to find out whether or not the seniors that participated in the project EXODYA back in 2017 and 2018, managed to maintain the level of physical fitness and adherence to physical aktivity (PA). The secondary goal was to determine the level of current PA and also how the level of PA was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: This is an empirical-theoretical study with a qualitative-quantitative research design. The research group I (N=30, average age 72 ± 4,02 years) took part in a questionnaire survey that included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire IPAQ and supplementary questions about influencing PA by the pandemics, using Google form. The research group II was made by 7 women that were also part of the research group I and that took part in the EXODYA project in 2018. The testing of these women consisted of 4 items of the Senior Fitness Test, hand grip strength using a digital hand dynamometer and maximum oxygen demand based on a stress test on a bicycle ergometer. Results: Most of the senior women who participated in the EXODYA project in 2018 maintained a level of physical fitness as well as adherence to PA....

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito de um programa de treinamento de potência muscular na capacidade funcional e equilíbrio, na função neuromuscular, no perfil lipídico, controle glicêmico e no nível de qualidade de vida de idosos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Para tanto, foram avaliados 21 sujeitos (68,2 ± 3,1 anos), divididos em dois grupos: grupo intervenção (GI) (n=11) e grupo controle (GC) (n=10). Os sujeitos do GI realizaram treinamento de potência muscular, com sessões bissemanais, o GC realizou alongamento muscular, uma vez na semana, ambos por um período de 12 semanas. O treino de potência muscular foi realizado para os principais grupos musculares, sendo os exercícios executados da maneira mais rápida possível durante a fase concêntrica. O grupo muscular alvo foi o quadríceps. As variáveis dependentes foram avaliadas antes (momento 1), 8 semanas (momento 2 - equilíbrio dinâmico e estático) e após (momento 3) o período de intervenção O GC realizou alongamento muscular de membros superiores, tronco e membros inferiores. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizado um teste t de Student para comparação dos grupos no momento pré treinamento, para amostras independentes. A comparação de médias foi realizada com ANOVA de duas vias para medidas repetidas, utilizando um post hoc de Bonferroni para as variáveis que foram realizadas em três momentos. Os efeitos avaliados foram os fatores tempo e grupo, bem como a interação desses fatores. Para as variáveis colesterol LDL e potência de pico (calculada por fórmula), como houve diferença entre os grupos pré-treinamento, foi realizada uma ANCOVA. Um nível de significância de α ≤ 0,05 foi adotado para as análises. Os resultados demonstraram que houve uma melhora significativa (p≤0,05) para o GI na variável de equilíbrio dinâmico, avaliada pelo teste de alcance funcional, do momento 2 para o momento 3, após as 12 semanas de treinamento, o GC não apresentou modificações (p>0,05) em nenhum dos três momentos. As variáveis de equilíbrio estático não apresentaram efeitos significativos (p>0,05). Na bateria de testes Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), o GI apresentou uma diminuição no tempo para a realização do teste de velocidade da marcha (p<0,05) após as 12 semanas de intervenção. No teste de levantarse da cadeira, houve um efeito significativo do tempo (p<0,05), bem como, no score total da bateria de testes SPPB (p=0,001), em que os dois grupos demonstraram melhoras pós-treinamento. A espessura muscular e qualidade muscular apresentaram um efeito do tempo (p<0,05), demonstrando que ambos os grupos apresentaram melhoras. A variável neuromuscular de eco intensidade não apresentou efeito significativo (p>0,05), bem como a variável de composição corporal, gordura visceral. Para o teste de força dinâmica, realizado através do teste de 1 repetição máxima (1-RM) houve um incremento significativo, após 12 semanas de treinamento para o GI (p<0,05). O pico de torque apresentou efeito do tempo significativo (p<0,05) em ambos os grupos. Quanto à taxa de produção de torque não foram identificados efeitos significativos (p>0,05). No salto com contra movimento (CMJ) ocorreu um ganho significativo (p<0,05), em que o GI apresentou incrementos pós 12 semanas de treinamento, as outras variáveis do salto (potência média e potência de pico) apresentaram efeitos significativos (p<0,05), quando calculadas por fórmula. A hemoglobina glicada e o LDL melhoraram significativamente (p<0,05) para os dois grupos, após o treinamento. Para as demais variáveis sanguíneas não foi encontrado valores significativos. A qualidade de vida, avaliada pelo questionário de avaliação da qualidade de vida no diabetes (DQOL) demonstrou melhora significativa (p<0,05) para o GC após intervenção, não ocorrendo o mesmo com o GI. Por fim, o treinamento de potência muscular foi eficaz para demonstrar ganhos significativos nos testes de equilíbrio dinâmico, na bateria de testes funcionais e no CMJ. / The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a power training program on functional fitness and balance, neuromuscular function, lipid profile, glycaemic control and quality of life level of elderly people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). For that, 21 subjects were evaluated (68.2 ± 3.1 years), who were allocated into two groups: intervention group (IG, n=11) and control group (CG, n=10). IG subjects performed power training sessions two times per week whereas CG performed muscle stretching sessions once a week, both for a period of 12 weeks. Power training program was performed for the main muscle groups, in which the exercises were executed as fast as possible during the concentric phase. Quadriceps was the target muscle group. Dependent variables were assessed before (moment 1), at the 8th week (moment 2 – dynamic and static balance) and after (moment 3) intervention period. CG performed muscle stretching for upper limbs, trunk and lower limbs. For data analysis, a Student t test was used for comparison of the groups in the pretraining moment, for independent samples. The comparison of the means was performed with two-way ANOVA for repeated measures, with post hoc of Bonferroni for the variables that were performed in three moments. The effects evaluated were time and group factors, as well as the interaction between these factors As there was difference between groups in the pre-training, for LDL cholesterol and peak power (calculated by formula) variables an ANCOVA was performed. An α ≤ 0.05 was adopted for analyses. The results demonstrated that there was a significant improvement (p≤0.05) for IG in the dynamic balance variable, evaluated through functional reach test, from moment 2 to moment 3, after the 12 weeks of training, whereas CG did not show modifications (p>0.05) in none of the moments. Static balance variables did not show significant effects (p>0.05). In Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) tests, IG showed a decrease in the time factor for the performance of the gait speed test (p<0.05) after the 12 weeks of intervention. In the sit-up test, there was a significant effect of time (p<0.05), as well as in the total score of the SPPB tests battery (p=0.001), in which both groups demonstrated improvements after training. Muscle thickness and muscle quality showed an effect of time (p<0.05), demonstrating that both groups presented improvements. Neuromuscular variable of echo intensity did not show significant improvements (p>0.05), as well as the body composition variable, visceral fat. For dynamic strength test, performed through 1 repetition maximum (1-RM) test, there was a significant increment after the 12 weeks of training for IG (p<0.05). Peak torque showed a significant effect of time (p<0.05) in both groups. Regarding rate of torque production, no significant effects were identified (p>0.05). In the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, there was a significant gain (p<0.05), in which IG showed increments after the 12 weeks of intervention, and the other jump variables (mean power and peak power) showed significant effects (p<0.05), when calculated by formula. Glycated hemoglobin and LDL significantly improved (p<0.05) for both groups after training. For the remaining blood variables, significant values were not found. Quality of life, assessed through Diabetes Quality of Life Measure questionnaire (DQOL), demonstrated significant improvement (p<0.05) for CG after the intervention, which did not occur for IG. Lastly, power training program was efficient in demonstrating significant gains in dynamic balance tests, in functional tests battery and in CMJ.

During the past decades there has been an increase in longevity. These aging trends have an enormous economic impact and present challenges to policymakers, families, and health care providers to meet the needs of aging individuals. Aging is accompanied with various physiological changes that can limit the elderly’s functional status and their independency. Some of the most noticeable changes occur within the musculoskeletal system, however cardiorespiratory changes, as well as changes in the body composition limits the elderly’s aerobic capacity and therefore increases the risk for cardiovascular and hypokinetic diseases. Moderate physical activity reduces the risk, or prolong the onset of physiological changes and various diseases. Physical activity can also enhance functional fitness amongst the elderly. Functional fitness is having the physiologic capacity to perform normal everyday activities safely and independently without undue fatigue. The aim of this study was to determine the functional fitness as well as static balance and dynamic balance status of senior citizens. Secondly, to determine the association between: physical activity, aerobic endurance and functional fitness and status amongst senior citizens. Thirdly, to determine the association between physical activity status, aerobic endurance and static– and dynamic balance amongst elderly. A once off subject availability study was performed, and 58 senior citizens (32 females and 26 males) between the ages of 65 years and 96 years participated. The physical activity index was determined with the Sharkey and Gaskill Physical activity index questionnaire. Functional fitness was measured using the Rikli and Jones Fullerton’s functional fitness test protocol. The static balance and dynamic balance was tested with the one leg balance eyes closed and functional reach test respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the status of the participants. Two way summary tables were used to categorize the amount of weak test results. Partial correlations were used to determine the association between physical activity, functional fitness and static and dynamic balance. The male participants’ functional fitness status compared well with USA normal ranges, however the functional fitness test scores of the female participants were even lower than the older age group (75 to 79 years) of the USA normal ranges. The results of the frequency distribution indicated that 80.77% and 68.75% of the male and female participants respectively, tested poorly in more than four of the functional fitness tests. Neither the male nor the female participants’ static balance score were adequate, although it does not indicate a fall risk. Aerobic endurance showed to have medium (r = 0.3–0.49) to high (r 0.5) partial correlation with all functional fitness tests for the total group, as well as in the female participants. In the male participants aerobic endurance only showed high correlation (r 0.5) with lower body strength and dynamic balance and agility. Dynamic balance correlated well (r 0.5) with all functional fitness tests as well as aerobic endurance and physical activity index in the female participants, and only showed a medium correlation with agility in the male participants. This study showed alarming percentages of poor test results for both male and female senior citizens and highlights the need for physical activity interventions in old age homes. The correlations between aerobic endurance, as well as dynamic balance and functional fitness tests indicates that even simple interventions such as walking programs could enhance the functional fitness of senior citizens and thereby increase their independency. / Thesis (M.A. (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

During the past decades there has been an increase in longevity. These aging trends have an enormous economic impact and present challenges to policymakers, families, and health care providers to meet the needs of aging individuals. Aging is accompanied with various physiological changes that can limit the elderly’s functional status and their independency. Some of the most noticeable changes occur within the musculoskeletal system, however cardiorespiratory changes, as well as changes in the body composition limits the elderly’s aerobic capacity and therefore increases the risk for cardiovascular and hypokinetic diseases. Moderate physical activity reduces the risk, or prolong the onset of physiological changes and various diseases. Physical activity can also enhance functional fitness amongst the elderly. Functional fitness is having the physiologic capacity to perform normal everyday activities safely and independently without undue fatigue. The aim of this study was to determine the functional fitness as well as static balance and dynamic balance status of senior citizens. Secondly, to determine the association between: physical activity, aerobic endurance and functional fitness and status amongst senior citizens. Thirdly, to determine the association between physical activity status, aerobic endurance and static– and dynamic balance amongst elderly. A once off subject availability study was performed, and 58 senior citizens (32 females and 26 males) between the ages of 65 years and 96 years participated. The physical activity index was determined with the Sharkey and Gaskill Physical activity index questionnaire. Functional fitness was measured using the Rikli and Jones Fullerton’s functional fitness test protocol. The static balance and dynamic balance was tested with the one leg balance eyes closed and functional reach test respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the status of the participants. Two way summary tables were used to categorize the amount of weak test results. Partial correlations were used to determine the association between physical activity, functional fitness and static and dynamic balance. The male participants’ functional fitness status compared well with USA normal ranges, however the functional fitness test scores of the female participants were even lower than the older age group (75 to 79 years) of the USA normal ranges. The results of the frequency distribution indicated that 80.77% and 68.75% of the male and female participants respectively, tested poorly in more than four of the functional fitness tests. Neither the male nor the female participants’ static balance score were adequate, although it does not indicate a fall risk. Aerobic endurance showed to have medium (r = 0.3–0.49) to high (r 0.5) partial correlation with all functional fitness tests for the total group, as well as in the female participants. In the male participants aerobic endurance only showed high correlation (r 0.5) with lower body strength and dynamic balance and agility. Dynamic balance correlated well (r 0.5) with all functional fitness tests as well as aerobic endurance and physical activity index in the female participants, and only showed a medium correlation with agility in the male participants. This study showed alarming percentages of poor test results for both male and female senior citizens and highlights the need for physical activity interventions in old age homes. The correlations between aerobic endurance, as well as dynamic balance and functional fitness tests indicates that even simple interventions such as walking programs could enhance the functional fitness of senior citizens and thereby increase their independency. / Thesis (M.A. (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.