Effects of online and face-to-face exercise training compared in healthy older adults: a feasibility study

Paolo Riccardo Brustio (Corresponding Author), Alīna Kļonova, Doriana Rudi, Carlotta Chiari, Valentina Biino, Juris Grants, Federico Schena

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Supervised online exercise training (OET) may help to counteract physical inactivity in healthy older adults. Few studies to date have compared the effect of OET and traditional face-to-face exercise training (TET). Aims: With this study we compared the effect of OET and TET on physical function in healthy older adults and investigated the feasibility of OET. Methods: Power analysis indicated that a sample size of n = 20 per group was necessary to detect a moderate effect size. Of 80 individuals potentially interested in the study, 32 did not meet the inclusion criteria and 22 declined participation; 26 were assigned to receive OET via Zoom© and 19 to receive TET twice a week for 12 weeks. The exercise training program was the same for both groups: fine finger and muscle strengthening and balance exercises. Performance was measured using the 400-m Walk, Timed Up and Go, Four Square Step, One Leg Stance, Five Time Chair Stand, and Hand Grip tests. Results and conclusions: In general, physical function was improved after OET and TET (ηp2 range, 0.349–0.642). No improvement in upper limb strength was observed in either group (p > 0.05), whereas endurance on the 400-m Walk Test was increased for the OET group and decreased for the TET group (Time × Group interaction F 5.540, ηp2 0.187; p = 0.007). Good adherence was noted for the OET group (82%). No adverse events during the 12-week study period were recorded. Our findings suggest a positive effect of exercise training on physical function over time, regardless of how delivered. OET was found to be feasible and acceptable, making it a viable alternative to conventional exercise programs for older adults.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)683-692
Number of pages10
JournalSport Sciences for Health
Volume20
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024

Keywords*

  • Exercise intervention
  • Older adults
  • Online physical exercise
  • Technology

Field of Science*

  • 3.3 Health sciences

Publication Type*

  • 1.1. Scientific article indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus database

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