Program evaluation: Determining the impact of a water-based, cross-cultural exercise program for women aged 50 years and older to improve or maintain functional activities of daily living on land

Physical activity is positively related to physical function. Women aged 50 and older may have chronic or age-related conditions that limit their ability to remain physical active. It is unclear if a water-based exercise program provides a safe and effective alternative to land-based exercise.; The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Golden Waves, a water-based exercise program designed to improve and/or maintain functional activities of daily living on land. Participants included American and Japanese women aged 50 and older. Two evaluation approaches including the Logic Model and the Context, Input, Process and Product (CIPP ) approach provided the method framework for eight study questions.; The Logic Model identified stakeholders and the CIPP approach focused the evaluation on eight study questions. The context component identified new stakeholders for program health promotion. Evaluation components, input and process applied both formative and summative questions to examine developmental program designs. Product effectiveness measured in America resulted in significant improvements (p < .05) for water exercise participants (n = 44) for assessments: static balance (right and left legs), sit-and-reach flexibility, stair climb, and body weight. Exercise participants also improved (p < .001) in: dynamic balance, sit-to-stand, steps to complete a walk, agility, stair climb, and biceps (arm) curl. No significant changes were noted for the comparison group ( n = 17), except for steps to complete the distance and stair climb speed, (p < .05). No injuries were reported during the program and adherence was 94%. During the sustainability evaluation component, successful instructional strategies linked to motivated exercise participants were identified.; Product transportability evaluation indicated that Japanese exercise participants (n = 93) significantly improved skills over time (p < .05) for: stair climb, sit-and-reach flexibility, speed walk speed, and sit-to-stand. Participants attending more than one day per week had significantly greater gains during most assessments and baseline scores were a significant predictor variable for gains in the back scratch right arm, dynamic balance and sit-to-stand. Age was a significant predictor variable for: speed walk number of steps, stair climb, sit-to stand, and dynamic balance. No injuries were reported during the program.