Citation

Green S, Campbell E, Barnett L, Mitchell RJ, Radvan D, van Beurden E. Health Promot. J. Austr. 2009; 20(2): 120-126.

Affiliation

Hunter New England Population Health and Hunter Medical Research Institute New South Wales, Wallsend, NSW. Sue.Green@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Australian Health Promotion Association, Publisher CAIRO Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19642960

Abstract

ISSUE ADDRESSED: To describe the demographic and health-related characteristics (physical activity, self-reported health status, quality of life and falls history) of older people who enrol in a team-based game, Lifeball, and examine associations between continuation and participant characteristics. Reasons for stopping, participants' perceptions of the game and changes in health-related characteristics over 12 months were examined. METHODS: Telephone surveys were conducted with a cohort of Lifeball players at: baseline, soon after commencing playing and 12 months later. RESULTS: At baseline, participants were aged 40 to 96 years (mean 67). Most were female (84%), in good to excellent health (86%) and reported being sufficiently (>150 minutes per week) physically active (69%). Almost half (43%) were still playing 12 months later (continuers). Continuers were more likely to perceive Lifeball had helped them to: feel fitter and healthier (91%); improve their social life (73%); and be more active (53%). No significant changes in continuers' physical activity, self-reported health status and quality of life measures were reported. The main reason for stopping playing was illness/injury unrelated to Lifeball. CONCLUSIONS: Lifeball mainly appealed to healthy, active older people.

Language: en