Abstract

Background: This study investigated the effect of a volunteer-led community care station (CCS) program and adherence to the program on physical function among the community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: Fifty-nine community-dwelling older adults participated in a CCS program held in the local community settings with three-hour activity programs, twice weekly. A physical therapist evaluated all the physical performance tests before and after one year. Adherence was defined as the percentage of attended sessions relative to total number of sessions in one year.

Results: Fifty-six participants (age 76.5 ± 6.5 years) completed the study and showed significant improvement in performance tests except for flexibility following one year. The median adherence was 71% (average 68.9%). Gains in most tests were significantly related to adherence. Participants with an adherence rate ≥ 70% gained more significant improvements in tests than those with < 70%.

Conclusions: Community older adults may improve in physical function after participating in a volunteer-led CCS program for one year, especially those with an adherence rate ≥ 70%.