The Winning Edge 2008
Sports Nutrition Conference

The BEST Exercise Program for Osteoporosis Prevention

Bone Builders Physical Activity Program

Following implementation of the Bone Builders program in 1999 in Pima County, an active county task force was established and volunteers trained to deliver the Bone Builders curriculum to the community. Ninety-six of the volunteers completing the Bone Builders training asked for further training on how to incorporate physical activity into a healthy lifestyle to promote stronger bones. The Bone Builders Physical Activity Program was created in response to this need to augment the existing Bone Builders training program to include a sustainable physical activity program that could be implemented within diverse community settings. Bone Builders Physical Activity programming focuses on older adults at high risk for osteoporosis and those who engage in the least amount of regular physical activity.

The initial two pilot projects were eight weeks in duration and incorporated into ongoing local senior programming. Participant goals included improving strength and balance to prevent falls, building physical activity into everyday life, improving bone health with weights and exercise bands, and improving quality of life through increased physical activity and social interactions.

Each class includes progressive exercises that focus on four areas of fitness: strength, flexibility, endurance, and agility or balance. These activities are based on the Active for Life program developed by West Virginia Cooperative Extension. Participant progress is assessed using the Senior Fitness Tests, a tool designed for adults ages 60 to 95 that allows individuals to assess themselves on six aspects of PA in the comfort of their own home.

Testing of the Bone Builders PA curriculum was completed at 10 community or neighborhood activity centers in Pima and Maricopa Counties.

Bone Builder Physical Activity Program Impacts:

To date:

• Bone Builders Physical Activity Program has generated more than $148,000 of funding from foundations and state agencies outside of the university.
• 645 seniors (average age 70.4 years) have participated in the program since its inception
• 106 men, 539 women
• 48% of participants Hispanic

For More Information Contact:
Maricopa County
Sharon Hoelscher Day, MS
(602) 470-8086 ext 332
shday@ag.arizona.edu

Pima County
Linda Block, MA
(520) 626-5161
lblock@ag.arizona.edu

College of Public Health Affiliates:
Linda Larkey, PhD
Robin Harris, PhD, MPH