Abstract

Background. Given the prevalence of metabolic disorders among aging populations and their impact on physical, psychological, and social well-being, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-pharmacological, community-based intervention that is safe, accessible, and appropriate for older adults.

Purpose. This study investigated the effects of low-impact aerobic exercise on fasting blood glucose and uric acid levels in older adults.

Method. A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test–post-test design was employed. The study involved 28 older adult participants, the majority (67.9%) aged 65–70 years. The intervention consisted of 15 sessions of low-impact aerobic exercise over five weeks (three sessions per week). Fasting blood glucose and uric acid levels were measured before and after the intervention and analyzed using paired sample t-tests.

Results and conclusion. The results demonstrated significant improvements in all measured variables following the 5-week intervention. Body weight and body mass index (bmi) decreased significantly (p = 0.009 and p = 0.007, respectively), indicating positive changes in body composition. Significant reductions were also observed in fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001) and uric acid levels (p = 0.021). Effect size analysis revealed large effects for fasting blood glucose (d = 2.69), body weight (d = 1.31), and uric acid (d = 1.39), while bmi showed a moderate effect (d = 0.56).

These findings suggest that low-impact aerobic exercise, although light in intensity, can positively influence anthropometric and metabolic parameters in community-dwelling older adults. The intervention shows potential as a safe, affordable, and non-pharmacological approach to supporting metabolic health in the elderly. Further studies are needed to confirm these benefits and explore long-term effects.

Key words

older adults, aerobic exercise, low impact, fasting blood glucose, uric acid