Alexa, let's train now! — A systematic review and classification approach to digital and home-based physical training interventions aiming to support healthy cognitive aging

First promising steps have been done, but there is still a long way to go: further evidence on the effectiveness of digitally delivered and home-based physical exercises to foster healthy ageing

“…The work of Solis-Navarro et al 3 is a timely and relevant contribution that provides further empirical evidence that DHE are effective to improve specific health-related parameters in older adults. In conjunction with the findings of another systematic review showing that DHE can improve cognitive performance in the adult population,2 the work of Solis-Navarro et al 3 constitutes another important step for the evidence-based implementation of DHE in the ageing population. Although the available evidence suggests that DHE harbour a great potential, the work of Solis-Navarro et al 3 and Herold et al 2 also revealed that several points of practical relevance remain relatively elusive.…”

“…In conjunction with the findings of another systematic review showing that DHE can improve cognitive performance in the adult population,2 the work of Solis-Navarro et al 3 constitutes another important step for the evidence-based implementation of DHE in the ageing population. Although the available evidence suggests that DHE harbour a great potential, the work of Solis-Navarro et al 3 and Herold et al 2 also revealed that several points of practical relevance remain relatively elusive. Thus, we suggest that future trials should aim (1) to elucidate whether different types of interaction (eg, real-time interaction via videoconference software vs decoupled interaction via video capsules) can influence the effectiveness of and adherence to DHE2 and (2) to ensure a high methodological quality by adhering to established recommendations 4.…”

“…Thus, the high prevalence of physical inactivity among older adults and its negative health consequences (eg, falls due to low physical functioning)1 necessitates the evaluation of new approaches to promote planned and structured forms of physical activity (ie, physical exercises). In this context, the utilisation of digital technologies to deliver home-based physical exercises (DHE) is considered to be a promising approach 1 2. However, the effectiveness of such interventions has not yet been systematically evaluated.…”

“…Although the available evidence suggests that DHE harbour a great potential, the work of Solis-Navarro et al 3 and Herold et al 2 also revealed that several points of practical relevance remain relatively elusive. Thus, we suggest that future trials should aim (1) to elucidate whether different types of interaction (eg, real-time interaction via videoconference software vs decoupled interaction via video capsules) can influence the effectiveness of and adherence to DHE2 and (2) to ensure a high methodological quality by adhering to established recommendations 4. Such a more nuanced understanding would help to unleash the enormous potential of digital health applications (eg, in form of DHE) that have been already recognised, for instance, in Germany, in which a digital health application can be prescribed by a physician and reimbursed by the health insurance when it has been successfully approved by the German Federal Agency for Drugs and Medical Devices 5…”

Older Adults’ Continuance Intentions for Online Physical Exercise Classes

“…Even older populations appreciated the value of technology, even though they historically used technology less frequently for everyday services and communication due to factors such as digital literacy and internet access. Overall, the increasing use of digital technology in daily activities and assisted living may facilitate a paradigm shift toward successful and healthy aging [6,7] and serve as an alternative to improving older individuals' physical and mental health [8][9][10][11][12][13]. Therefore, it is essential to understand the impact of this digital shift on older adults' health and wellness activities, including physical exercise.…”