Understanding how to design an engaging hard martial arts programme to improve quality of life among older people: a preliminary study

Background/Aims Improvements to the quality of life of tai chi practitioners have been demonstrated in the literature; however, less is known about the possible effects on the quality of life of practitioners of harder styles of martial arts in older populations. The aim of this study was to identify what facets of a modified hard martial arts programme motivated participants to attend and therefore guide the design of future programmes. Methods A total of nine community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 75 years (+/- 7.3 years) who participated in 12 weeks of modified hard martial arts training were asked if they had perceived any changes to their health or quality of life over the participation period. A self-reported survey instrument, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, was used to measure change pre- and post-intervention, and semi-structured interviews were used to explore participants' motivators for participating, perceived benefits and concerns. Results Five themes emerged which were: (1) a general feeling that quality of life had increased; (2) an increase in social interaction; (3) increased physical abilities; (4) the need to preserve a safe training environment; and (5) a sense of loss relating to the study ending. Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scores indicated clinically significant improvement but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions These themes may have important implications when designing future hard martial arts programmes aimed at attracting older persons who prefer to engage in vigorous exercise. Implications for practice As populations around the world age, engaging older adults in activities that promote fitness and social inclusion becomes increasingly important to maintain health into older age. Providing diverse and non-mainstream niche opportunities to older adults such as this programme will maximise engagement and potentially reduce loneliness and physical morbidity in older adults.