Remote Instruction Using Dvd For Mechanical Stress Free Walking (msfw) Promotion Program In Older Adults

Abstract

PURPOSE: Under the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, it is important to develop physical activity promotion program with online, remote instruction. Based on our previous research findings and experiences, we have developed the mechanical stress free walking (MFSW) program using DVD for adults, particularly with advanced joint degeneration. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the MFSW program using DVD in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Men (n = 16) and women (n = 53) who were healthy and able to walk on their own at average walking speed about 5 km/h participated in this study. The participants (average age 75.1 ± 4.86 years old) received the MSFW DVD instruction program included an educational component stressing 4 walking tips: 1) walking with the upper body upright, 2) catching the ground softly, 3) taking the width of the left and right feet, and 4) not twisting the knee joints. Before starting and after completing the DVD instruction program, each participant completed 3-dimensional walking acceleration measurement (Safety Walk Navi: Descente Ltd, Tokyo, Japan). RESULTS: The downward and lateral acceleration were significantly decreased, from 1.654 ± 0.150 g to 1.604 ± 0.151 g** and from 0.855 ± 0.291 g to 0.804 ± 0.250 g*, respectively (** P < 0.01 *P < 0.05). There were no significant decreases in forward and upward acceleration, from 0.692 ± 0.209 g to 0.665 ± 0.208 g, and from 0.443 ± 0.125 g to 0.428 ± 0.119 g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that DVD remote instruction program leads to improvements in older adults’ MSFW. Our next goal is to develop the MSFW remote program for health professionals, thus they can deliver DVD remote instruction program to older adults who practice social distancing and engage in MSFW at home settings.