‘Prime Time of Life’, A 12-Week Home-Based Online Multimodal Exercise Training and Health Education Programme for Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Laois

Abstract

Introduction: Multimodal exercise training can ameliorate the physiological decline associated with ageing. This study aimed to investigate whether 12 weeks of a home-based online multimodal training and health education intervention could improve functional ability and perceptions of physical and mental health in middle-aged and older adults. Methods: Sixty-one male (N = 18, 59.1 ± 7.0 years) and female (N = 43, 60.9 ± 6.8 years) participants with various clinical conditions completed two 60-minute training sessions per week for 12 weeks delivered online via Zoom. All sessions included aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises. One weekly session incorporated 15 minutes of health and fitness education. The pre/post testing sessions were conducted in a local community centre in line with COVID-19 public health guidelines. Paired samples t-tests and the Wilcoxon signed rank tests were utilised to compare scores pre and post intervention. Results: There were significant improvements in participants 6-minute walk (p < 0.0001), sitto-stand (p < 0.0001), timed-up-and-go (p < 0.0001), sit-and-reach (p < 0.0001), squat jump (p < 0.0001), core endurance (p < 0.0001), grip strength (right hand p = 0.03, left hand p = 0.04) and balance (right leg p < 0.0001, left leg p = 0.004) tests post intervention. Perceptions of physical (p < 0.0001) and mental (p < 0.0001) health also improved significantly. Discussion: Twelve weeks of online multimodal training and health education can significantly improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, power, balance, flexibility, and perceptions of physical health, mental health, and quality of life in middle-aged and older adults. While there are some limitations to online interventions, the benefits are numerous and equal to those reported for onsite interventions and should be considered for wider rollout in this population.

Reflections, Impact and Future Recommendations Following ‘Prime Time of Life’ – an Online 12-week Multimodal Physical Activity and Health Education Programme for Middle Aged and Older Adults in Laois

“…Sixty-one MAA and OA who completed a 12-week PTOL home-based online MMT and health education programme in December 2020 (Cooper et al 2021) were contacted six months following the completion of the programme via email to invite them to participate in this study. The programme involved two weekly 60-minute MMT sessions and one weekly 15-minute health education session.…”

“…Online health programmes for healthy ageing are increasing due to the increased acceptability of information and communication technologies among OA (Ienca et al 2021). Online MMT programmes can significantly improve aerobic fitness, strength, balance, and flexibility among MAA and OA (Cooper et al 2021) and can overcome common barriers to exercise including weather, time constraints and lack of facilities (Spiteri et al 2019). No studies have qualitatively examined the facilitators and barriers to online MMT and health education programmes for MAA and OA in Ireland.…”

Influence of Different Load Conditions on Lower Extremity Biomechanics during the Lunge Squat in Novice Men

“…The lunge squat is becoming increasingly popular as a strength training exercise because of its safety and feasibility [ 1 , 2 ]. Performing the lunge squat requires both feet to be placed on the ground.…”

“…The lunge squat also plays a key role in rehabilitation exercises used for static and dynamic joint balance [ 1 , 8 ]. Therefore, the action is often used in clinical settings, such as rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery [ 4 , 9 ] and as an exercise prescription for fall prevention exercises [ 2 ]. Furthermore, because of the strengths and weaknesses in these areas that have been associated with injury development [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ], postoperative recovery of the hip and knee joints should be given particular priority.…”

How Flow Experience and Self-Efficacy Define Students’ Online Learning Intentions: View From Task Technology Fit (Framework)

“…The study intends to contribute to the existing literature by highlighting the strategic role of real-time interactivity and active control to define the meaningfulness of technical characteristics ( Ferreira et al, 2021 ). In the previous pool of literature addressing TTF ( Cooper et al, 2021 ), research initiatives usually caption “technology and task characteristics” as exogenous factors to map TTF. However, this research initiative extends the detail of technology on the basis of interactivity, flow, and quality of graphical design.…”