STUDIES
playfit® sees itself not only as a manufacturer of outdoor fitness equipment, but has also acted as an ambassador for the idea and concept of exercise trails in the early years in order to meet the challenges of demographic change and the resulting social changes.
playfit® has thus made an active contribution to promoting the general acceptance of exercise trails in various areas over many years – also with regard to preventive health care.
DEMENTIA
Tests on the use of playfit® outdoor fitness equipment with Dementia Patients at the VITANAS DEMENTIA CENTRE in Magdeburg
Following five months of observation, it was concluded that playfit® outdoor fitness equipment may be very well suited for dementia patients.
Dementia is currently not a curable disease. But options for exercising, such as outdoor fitness equipment, are important in preventing dementia and giving more quality of life.
Study on the effects of using playfit exercise equipment on people with dementia
In spring/summer 2013, as part of a collaborative project between playfit GmbH and the ‘Emilstraße’ retirement and care home at the hospital of Darmstadt, the positive effects of regular exercise using playfit® equipment on physical abilities, social contact and subjective well-being of participants with dementia was evaluated in accordance with the definitions of § 87 b SGB (German social security statute book) XI.
DEPRESSION
The use of Outdoor Fitness Parks significantly reduces mild depression
Scientific studies at the Hohe Mark clinic yield positive results
After a one-year project phase, on 15 October 2015 the first results were released of a study initiated by the State government of Hessen in collaboration with the Hohe Mark clinic, the Goethe University of Frankfurt, the University of Darmstadt and the Sports Association of Hessen on the effects of outdoor fitness parks in persons with depression undergoing clinical therapy.
OUTDOOR FITNESS PARKS
playfit® Outdoor Fitness Parks underwent scientific testing in Germany – Hessen
Exercise for a healthy ageing process – a guide for the creation of an outdoor fitness park
The state government of Hessen carried out an academic study using a playfit® outdoor fitness park in Hanau. The results from three universities on the physical uses as well as the social and psychological effects of the playfit® equipment were extremely positive. They indicated a significant increase in physical ability, particularly in terms of leg strength, walking pace and balance. The scientific results were published in a set of guidelines and are used in a number of municipalities as a guide for the planning and design of an outdoor fitness park (published 2012).
Follow-up to the scientific study
RheinMain University (Prof. Grit Hottenträger) was commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs of Hessen in the summer of 2012 with the follow-up to the scientific study, on which the GUIDE FOR THE OUTDOOR FITNESS PARK was based. The follow-up study confirms the exceptionally positive result of the playfit® fitness park in Hanau, both with regard to the use of the equipment and the satisfaction of users and operators. We were particularly pleased to learn that the playfit® outdoor fitness park was used by people of all ages and nationalities.
Telephone follow-up to the scientific study
The Social Affairs Ministry of Hessen carried out a telephone follow-up in summer/winter 2012 to the scientific study which formed the basis of the GUIDE FOR OUTDOOR FITNESS PARKS. Former project participants in Hanau and Darmstadt were asked about their use of the fitness park. The results of the study were presented at “FITNESS PARKS FOR THE ELDERLY – NEW INITIATIVES FOR SPORT AND CITY DEVELOPMENT” ON 06.09.2013.
European Recognition
playfit® site in Hanau
The fitness park project by the Ministry of Social Affairs in Hessen was selected as the ‘Good Practice Project’ as part of the European year for active ageing 2012.
GERMAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF OGANISATIONS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
BAGSO tests playfit Fitness Parks
In 2013, BAGSO (German national association of organisations for senior citizens) tested a fitness park with the help of 9 senior citizens in the park facilities of St Vinzenzhaus, Bonn‐Bad Godesberg. All eight pieces of playfit® equipment were positively rated.
“Outdoor fitness parks keep users fit, promote good health and the joy of movement, as well as being free to use at any time with no obligation. At a time when single-person households are increasing, the social aspect they provide should not be underestimated.”
Katharina Braun from the BAGSO Service GmbH
OUTDOOR FITNESS PARKS IN FACILITIES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Bachelor’s thesis on promoting physical activity in retirement homes
The “seniors on the move” collaboration is an initiative between the Privatinstitutes für Transparenz im Gesundheitswesen GmbH (a private institute for transparency in the health system) and playfit GmbH for more movement and communication in later life.
Together, with PH Weingarten, they initiated a bachelor thesis on the promotion of physical activity in facilities for senior citizens (published 2013). The thesis studied the significance of physical exercise in German retirement homes.
You can request the full study from info@playfit.de.
“VITAL IN GERMANY“
playfit® partner of the „VITAL IN GERMANY“ programme
In 2012, playfit® participated in the German initiative “Vital in Deutschland” (Vital in Germany). VID is a non-profit project launched by the German Post Office with the aim of giving elderly people better access to public services across all areas of social life.
German cities and municipalities were invited to apply with a model idea for an outdoor fitness park. The top-class jury of the VID initiative awarded the most impressive concept with a complete playfit® fitness park. Citizens were delighted with the new attraction on the Weserwiesen.
OPEN SPACE UTILISATION
Gender-differentiated studies on the use of open spaces by Senior Citizens
Scientific study by Prof. Hottenträger (University of Wiesbaden in collaboration with the Parks and Recreation department of Frankfurt/Main) 2008
This study indicated that playfit® equipment was both appealing and easy to use for adults and senior citizens, with the equipment scoring extremely high ratings. Observations showed that regular use of outdoor fitness equipment not only encouraged citizens to exercise but also improved communication between users.
HEALTH ECONOMY
Statement Dr. Med. Ulrich Peschel (Director of the Mühlenbergklinik Malente)
This study indicated that playfit® at the 4th National Conference if the Health Industry 2008, the focus was on interdisciplinary health concepts on the subject of ‘exercise and nutrition’.
The Federal Ministry of Health presented its action plan for nutrition and exercise at the conference.