Abstract
BackgroundPhysical activity can prevent or delay age-related impairments and prolong the ability of older adults to live independently. Community-based programs typically offer classes where older adults can exercise only once a week under the guidance of an instructor. The health benefits of such programs vary. Exercise frequency and the duration of the program play a key role in realizing effectiveness. An auxiliary home-based exercise program can provide older adults the opportunity to exercise more regularly over a prolonged period of time in the convenience of their own homes. Furthermore, mobile electronic devices can be used to motivate and remotely guide older adults to exercise in a safe manner. Such a blended intervention, where technology is combined with personal guidance, needs to incorporate behavior change principles to ensure effectiveness.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify theory-based components of a blended intervention that supports older adults to exercise at home.MethodsThe Medical Research Council framework was used to develop the blended intervention. Insights from focus group, expert panels, and literature were combined into leading design considerations.ResultsA client-server system had been developed that combined a tablet app with a database in the cloud and a Web-based dashboard that can be used by a personal coach to remotely monitor and guide older adults. The app contains several components that facilitate behavior change—an interactive module for goal setting, the ability to draw up a personal training schedule from a library containing over 50 exercise videos, progress monitoring, and possibilities to receive remote feedback and guidance of a personal coach.ConclusionsAn evidence-based blended intervention was designed to promote physical activity among older adults. The underlying design choices were underpinned by behavior change techniques that are rooted in self-regulation. Key components of the tablet-supported intervention were a tailored program that accommodates individual needs, demonstrations of functional exercises, monitoring, and remote feedback. The blended approach combines the convenience of a home-based exercise program for older adults with the strengths of mobile health and personal guidance.
Highlights
IntroductionBackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is vital to a healthy life. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with numerous health-related problems such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, various forms of cancer, and depression [1,2]
BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is vital to a healthy life
The app contains several components that facilitate behavior change—an interactive module for goal setting, the ability to draw up a personal training schedule from a library containing over 50 exercise videos, progress monitoring, and possibilities to receive remote feedback and guidance of a personal coach
Summary
BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is vital to a healthy life. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with numerous health-related problems such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, various forms of cancer, and depression [1,2]. For older adults, PA can prevent or delay the onset of functional impairments and prolong the ability to live independently [3]. Due to these well-acknowledged health benefits, community-based PA programs have spawned across the world [4,5]. Physical activity can prevent or delay age-related impairments and prolong the ability of older adults to live independently. Mobile electronic devices can be used to motivate and remotely guide older adults to exercise in a safe manner Such a blended intervention, where technology is combined with personal guidance, needs to incorporate behavior change principles to ensure effectiveness
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