Abstract
ObjectivesTo gain first insight into the effectiveness of a home-based exercise programme for pre-frail older adults with independent use of novel ICT technology.MethodsA pilot study. Forty pre-frail older adults joined a six-month home-based exercise programme using a tablet PC for exercise administration and feedback, and a necklace-worn motion sensor for daily physical activity registration. Participants received weekly telephone supervision during the first 3 months and exercised independently without supervision from a coach during the last 3 months. Functional performance and daily physical activity were assessed at baseline, after three and 6 months.ResultsTwenty-one participants completed the programme. Overall, functional performance showed positive results varying from (very) small to large effects (Cohen’s d 0.04–0.81), mainly during the supervised part of the intervention. Regarding daily physical activity, a slight improvement with (very) small effects (Cohen’s d 0.07–0.38), was observed for both self-reported and objectively measured physical activity during the supervised period. However, during the unsupervised period this pattern only continued for self-reported physical activity.ConclusionThis pilot study showed positive results varying from (very) small to large effects in levels and maintenance of functional performance and daily physical activity, especially during the supervised first 3 months.Remote supervision seems to importantly affect effectiveness of a home-based exercise programme. Effectiveness of the programme and the exact contribution of its components should be further quantified in a randomized controlled trial.Practice implicationsHome-based exercising using novel technology may be promising for functional performance and physical activity improvement in (pre-frail) older adults.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register (NTR); trial number NL4049. The study was prospectively registered (registration date 14/11/2013).
Highlights
Our ageing society and its associated higher demand on healthcare resources has created a growing need for programmes to prevent physical decline and preserve the health and independent functioning of older adults [1, 2]
Practice implications: Home-based exercising using novel technology may be promising for functional performance and physical activity improvement in older adults
Research indicates that home-based exercise programmes are promising towards improving the functional performance and health of pre-frail older adults
Summary
Our ageing society and its associated higher demand on healthcare resources has created a growing need for programmes to prevent physical decline and preserve the health and independent functioning of older adults [1, 2]. Frailty is defined as ‘the state of vulnerability to stressors that is independent of any specific disease or disability but that is common in older people and predisposes them to various adverse health outcomes’ [3]. By this definition, 14.5% of Dutch men and 20.7% of Dutch women aged 65 years or older are frail [4], as are 7 to 12% of American older adults [5]. Research indicates that home-based exercise programmes are promising towards improving the functional performance and health of pre-frail older adults. Low adherence can be considered a very important factor compromising the effectiveness of home-based programmes, efforts need to be made to maximise adherence among pre-frail older persons
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
