P 083 - The effect of a bespoke home based physical activity intervention on markers of oxidative stress and markers of general health in older adults

Abstract

Home-based unsupervised exercise training has been shown to improve health in older adults. Assessing adherence, especially using a self-report format, in unsupervised exercise interventions is problematic. The aim of this pilot study was to objectively assess the effect of an unsupervised home-based exercise intervention in community dwelling older adults. Markers of oxidative stress and measures of health were assessed, including cerebral hemodynamics and cognitive function. Physical activity was measured continuously using a wrist watch type accelerometer with optical heart rate monitoring. A secondary aim of the study was to test the feasibility of a wrist activity monitor as a tool to assess physical activity in this population. The intervention failed to increase the level of physical activity in all the participants, although changes were observed. No significant changes were observed in markers of oxidative stress or other measures of health in response to the exercise intervention. Progressive goals, based on adherence measurement, are potentially important for the success of an unsupervised exercise intervention. Wrist-based accelerometers may be useful tools for the assessment of physical activity in sedentary older adults, but further development of specialist software may be necessary.