Open AccessFeasibility of an at‐home, web‐based, interactive exercise program for older adults
Author(s) -
Feng Nicole C.,
Ryan Eliza,
Kidane Mhretab,
Tusch Erich S.,
McFeeley Brittany M.,
Carlsson Roger,
Mohammed Abdul H.,
Håkansson Krister,
Daffner Kirk R.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1016/j.trci.2019.10.005
Subject(s) - pace , psychological intervention , physical therapy , aerobic exercise , medicine , trainer , meditation , perceived exertion , gerontology , intervention (counseling) , psychology , heart rate , computer science , nursing , philosophy , theology , geodesy , blood pressure , radiology , programming language , geography
Increased physical exercise is linked to enhanced brain health and reduced dementia risk. Exercise intervention studies usually are conducted at facilities in groups under trainer supervision. To improve scalability, accessibility, and engagement, programs may need to be structured such that individuals can execute and adjust routines in their own homes. Methods One hundred eighty‐three healthy older adults from two sites (the United States and Sweden) were screened. One hundred fifty‐six subjects (mean age 73.2), randomly assigned to one of four interventions (PACE‐Yourself physical exercise program, mindfulness meditation, or Cogmed® adaptive or nonadaptive computerized working memory training) began the study. All interventions were structurally similar: occurring in subjects' homes using interactive, web‐based software, over five weeks, ∼175 minutes/week. In the PACE‐Yourself program, video segments presented aerobic exercises at different pace and intensity (P&I). The program paused frequently, allowing subjects to indicate whether P&I was “too easy,” “too hard,” or “somewhat hard.” P&I of the subsequent exercise set was adjusted, allowing subjects to exercise at a perceived exertion level of “somewhat hard.” Program completion was defined as finishing ≥60% of sessions. Results A high percentage of participants in all groups completed the program, although the number (86%) was slightly lower in the PACE‐Yourself group than the other three. Excluding dropouts, the PACE‐Yourself group had a lower adherence rate of 93%, compared with the other three (∼98%). Over the five weeks, PACE‐Yourself participants increased exercising at the highest intensity level, consistent with augmented aerobic activity over time. The number of exercise sessions completed predicted the postintervention versus preintervention increase in self‐reported level of physical activity. Discussion This study supports the feasibility of a home‐based, subject‐controlled, exercise program in which P&I is regulated via real‐time participant feedback, which may promote self‐efficacy. Further study is needed to determine if similar results are found over longer periods and in more diverse populations.