Feasibility and Acceptability of an Online Daily Exercise Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: We all know how important it is to stay physically active, especially in later life. However, the majority of the population, including older adults, remains sedentary and lacks regular physical activity. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a home-based online education and exercise program inspired by developmental kinesiology that was designed for daily use to support functional capacity and an active lifestyle. Methods: Eighty-two community-dwelling older adults (mean ± SD age 73.7 ± 3.4, 77% female) were randomized into intervention (n = 45) and control (n = 37) groups. Participants in the intervention group followed a 12-week home-based exercise program of 15 minutes per day for at least 6 days a week. Adherence was assessed using a diary, and acceptability was assessed using a postintervention questionnaire. Functional status was examined by performance tests (Timed Up and Go Test, Single Leg Stance Test, and Hand Grip) and a single-item question ("How would you rate your functional status from excellent to poor?") at baseline and postintervention. The data were analysed in SPSS using descriptive statistics, t tests, chi-square tests, and ANOVA. Results: The intervention was feasible and acceptable. The retention rate in the experimental group was 100%, and the adherence rate was 99.9%. The program was rated on a 5-point Likert scale as clear (87% considered the program excellent), meaningful (80%), or manageable (71%). All participants (100%) in the experimental group would recommend the program to peers, and 91% expressed a willingness to continue. Additionally, participants felt more fit postintervention (T = 4.96, p < .001; F = 4.83, p < .05) and demonstrated improved one-leg stability (T = -3.45, p = .001). The improvement in agility was not statistically significant but was slightly clinically significant (ES = .05), and grip strength was not affected by the intervention. Conclusions: We conclude that the designed program has great potential to become a welcome part of everyday life among older adults, providing many benefits for this population. It is evident that older generations can follow online exercise programs and improve their health habits in the long term. Trial Registration: The trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06133894). Funding: This research was funded by #NU22-09-00447: 2022-2025.