In the past few years, we have seen a tremendous increase of outdoor gyms. They are especially frequented by older generations of people because – besides helping them develop and retain motor skills – they also present a place of gathering and socialising. In addition, exercises are performed outside, in nature, which only adds to the popularity of such gyms and parks. However, due to the fact that training usually is not carried out under the supervision of a qualified trainer, it is important that the equipment used in these gyms is safe and imposes enough strain to trigger changes in motor skills.
The purpose of our research is to find out how effective the equipment of the Kodeljevo outdoor gym is for the elderly users. We analysed in detail three endurance exercises, namely, hand cycling, pedalling, and stepping-up. These exercises should improve their aerobic endurance. We included in our research 16 elderly individuals: 11 women and 5 men, aged between 65 and 75 years.
Results showed that all three exercises raised the individuals' heart rate to the level, which enables performance changes in aerobic endurance. Performed at maximum intensity, hand cycling median heart rate was calculated at 73% of heart rate reserve, pedalling at 62% of heart rate reserve, and 76% of heart rate reserve while performing stepping-up. We thus measured the biggest impact on aerobic endurance when individuals performed stepping-up, while individuals achieved the least amount of progress when carrying out pedalling. Despite the fact that the exercises did affect and improved the individuals' capabilities, we did, however, found numerous deficiencies and shortcomings of the equipment studied.
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