Impact of an ambulatory physical activity program on balance and motor abilities of retirees: a prospective study

International audience; BACKGROUND:Given the public health problem generated by posture and gait disorders, a preventive approach is essential.OBJECTIVE:We investigated the impact of an ambulatory physical activity program (APAP) on the motor skills of retirees.METHOD:Retirees ≥ 60 years were recruited in this prospective study. The APAP was supported by a French regional health insurance plan. Between inclusion (T0) and 12 weeks (T1), subjects participated in an APAP (1 hour/week) that included strengthening muscular exercises, balance work, joint flexibility exercises, one-leg-balance test (OLB), stimulation of the foot arch, and rise-from-the-floor (RFF). Timed-up-and-go test (TUG) durat…