Exercise promotion as a strategy for preventing sarcopenia and reducing elderly abuse in Nigeria
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Abstract
This study investigated exercise promotion as a strategy for preventing sarcopenia and reducing elderly abuse among older adults in the Federal Capital Territory. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was adopted, involving 120 participants aged 60 years and above, who were assigned to experimental (n = 60) and control (n = 60) groups. The experimental group participated in a 12-week structured exercise program comprising resistance, flexibility, and balance training, while the control group maintained their usual routines. Data were collected using standardized measures of handgrip strength, gait speed, functional mobility, muscle mass, and a structured elder abuse questionnaire assessing physical, emotional, and neglect dimensions. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) at a .05 level of significance. The ANCOVA results showed that exercise intervention significantly improved muscle strength, F(1,117) = 57.12, p < .001, partial η² = .328; muscle mass, F(1,117) = 41.58, p < .001, partial η² = .262; and reduced elderly abuse, F(1,117) = 50.41, p < .001, partial η² = .302. The MANCOVA results further indicated a significant combined effect on gait speed and functional mobility, Wilks’ Λ = .641, F(2,116) = 32.48, p < .001, partial η² = .359. The study concludes that structured exercise interventions significantly enhance physical function and reduce vulnerability to elderly abuse. It is recommended that exercise programs be integrated into geriatric and community health services to promote healthy ageing and safeguard older adults’ well-being.
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References
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