A Pre-Post Study Design Exploring the Potential Benefits of a Hiking Intervention for Active and Inactive Older Adults

Introduction: : Physical activity (PA) is essential for healthy aging, yet PA levels are low in older adults. Group-based nature programming may be an ideal opportunity for engaging older adults in PA and improving health-related quality of life. Methods: : Twenty-seven older adults, 55-75 - 75 years of age (n n = 14 active and n = 13 previously inactive), enrolled in a biweekly 8-week hiking program. At baseline, participants completed online questionnaires on health-related quality of life, behavioral and psychological outcomes, and a one-mile walk test to assess cardiorespiratory fi tness. Results: : Average attendance was 81% in the previously inactive groups and 74% in the active group. There was a significant fi cant increase in the physical component of quality of life over time in the previously inactive group (p p = .03, d= = 0.71). Participants significantly fi cantly improved their cardiorespiratory fi tness (p p = .003, d= = 0.77) and competency (p= p = .005, d= = 0.41) as assessed by the Basic Psychological Needs for Exercise Scale. The previously inactive group additionally increased their self-efficacy fi cacy for exercise (p p = .001, d= = 1.43). Both active and previously inactive groups exercised at a similar relative intensity during the hikes based on heart rate; however, perceived exertion at the end of the hike on average was lower among active participants (p p = .014). Conclusion: : Group-based hiking for previously inactive older adults significantly fi cantly improved physical health-related quality of life over an 8-week biweekly intervention. Hiking at an individualized pace may allow for hiking to be an appropriate PA program in previously inactive older adults.