The effect of a weighted vest on perceived health status and bone density in older persons

To assess the effect of an exercise intervention using a weighted vest on perceived health status and bone density in older persons, we enrolled 36 seniors in a randomized controlled trial. The vest-use group met weekly for 1 h for a low level exercise class. They wore a weighted vest during the class and as tolerated at home. The discussion controls met for 1 h weekly. At baseline and follow-up (20 weeks), subjects completed a questionnaire that incuded the 20 item MOS Short-Form Health Survey, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale, and bone density was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Subjects also completed daily activity diaries. Subjects in the vest group reported a statistically significant dicrease in bodily pain, improved physical functioning, and increased internal health locus of control. Bone density increased by 1% in the vest group and decreased by 0.6% in the controls (p=0.12). We conclude that our exercise intervention had a positive effect on some measures of perceived health in older persons.This work was supported by grants from the Charles A. Dana Foundation, the UCLA Academic Senate, and the Bureau of Health Professions Mid-Career Faculty Training Grant.