Abstract
Introduction
The health benefits of physical activity for older people are well recognised and include reduction in falls, improvement in frailty status and physical function. Nonetheless, physical inactivity remains a significant problem among older adults. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing online volunteer-led group exercise for community-dwelling older adults.
Methods
This pre-post mixed methods study was conducted among older adults attending community social clubs. Eligible participants were aged ≥ 65 years, able to walk independently, and able to provide written consent. The intervention consisted of a once weekly volunteer-led online group chair-based exercise. The primary outcomes were the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Secondary outcomes included physical activity levels measured using the Community Health Model Activities Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire, functional status (Barthel Index), and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Outcomes were measured at baseline and at 6 months. Trials registration: NCT04672200.
Results
Nineteen volunteers were recruited, 15 completed training and 9 were retained (mean age 68 years, 7 female). Thirty participants (mean age 77 years, 27 female) received the intervention and attended 54% (IQR 37-67) of exercise sessions. One minor adverse event was reported. Participants had no significant changes in secondary outcome measures, with a trend towards improvement in physical activity levels. The intervention was acceptable to volunteers, participants, and staff. The seated exercises were perceived as safe, manageable and enjoyable. Volunteers were relatable role models providing positive vicarious experiences that improved participants confidence to exercise within a friendly, non-judgmental environment. Technological issues, or reluctance to learn how to use technology were barriers to the intervention. The social interactions and sense of belonging motivated participation.
Conclusions
Trained volunteers can safely deliver online group exercise for community-dwelling older adults and the intervention was feasible and acceptable to older adults, volunteers and club staff.
Comments
Feedback
Very nice study leveraging volunteers who were peers of those receiving the intervention.
As a study well executed
Very well written and easy to follow the process.
The benefits of being a group and among peers came across very well. I am uncertain if the actual intervention has had any significant impact on preventing falls.
If you look at the recent world falls guidelines does your physical activity intervention meet the minimum recommended standards for being effective? I mention this so in future iterations you may wish to amend your intervention.
Well done
Dear Asan, thank you for your very helpful comments. We did not evaluate falls as an outcome measure and I think for future studies, this is something we should consider. The primary aim was the feasibility of the intervention. We will certainly be refining the intervention and explore effectiveness in a definitive trial. Thank you.