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Conference Agenda

Overview and details of the sessions of this conference. Please select a date or location to show only sessions at that day or location. Please select a single session for detailed view (with abstracts and downloads if available).

Daily Overview

Session

GR1_1: Abstract presentations: Physical Activity, Exercise and Healthy Ageing: Evidence, Interventions and New Perspectives
Location: Glass room 1
Session Chair: Johan de Jong

Presentation 3

11:50am - 11:53am

Effects of an 8‑week multicomponent exercise programme Vadbeceda on physical fitness in adults aged 65+

Katja Petek¹, Tjaša Knific², Vedran Hadžić¹, Maja Dolenc¹

1: Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; 2: National Institute of Public Health

Background and aim of study

Age-related decline in physical capacities increases fall risk in older adults. Vadbeceda is the first evidence-based multicomponent exercise programme in Slovenia, developed by NIJZ in line with WHO guidelines for active and healthy ageing. The programme targets strength, balance, mobility, and flexibility. This study evaluated the effects of an 8-week supervised Vadbeceda programme on physical fitness in adults aged 65+.

Methods

Forty-six adults completed three assessments: at baseline, after eight weeks of habitual exercise, and following an additional eight-week structured training programme. Fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test battery, handgrip strength, and single-leg stance on a foam surface. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni adjustment was applied.

Results

Significant improvements were found in balance (single-leg stance errors on a soft surface; p < .001), dynamic balance and agility (Timed Up and Go; p = .002), upper limb strength (arm curl; p < .001), and shoulder girdle flexibility (p < .001). Gains in aerobic endurance and lower limb strength were observed, though not solely due to the intervention. No intervention-specific effects were found for handgrip or hamstring flexibility.

Conclusions

Vadbeceda enhances balance, muscular strength, and flexibility in older adults, supporting fall prevention and functional independence. As a nationally implemented, freely accessible programme, it shows strong public health potential in Slovenia.

Support/Funding

Suported by the project Integration of Geriatric Care for the Elderly, funded by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union – NextGenerationEU.