Implementation and outcomes of a community-based boccia program for older adults: a field report

Objective

This report aimed to describe the implementation and outcomes of a community-based boccia program for community-dwelling older adults. Patients and Methods: Nine older adults participated in a 60-minute session once a week consisting of 15 min of stretching and low-intensity resistance exercises, followed by a short rest period, approximately 5 min of throwing practice, and 35 min of boccia gameplay. Measurements were conducted at baseline and after an average of 10 months and included blood pressure, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Functional Reach Test (FRT), grip strength in both hands, pain assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), and physical activity assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF). Participant satisfaction was evaluated at the final assessment using the VAS. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with the level of significance set at P<0.05.